LTFRB: Only 11% of PUVs registered for fare matrix

MANILA, Philippines — Only 30,183 public utility vehicles (PUVs) are the subjects of applications for the fare matrix required for drivers to impose the fare increase, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on the first day of the implementation of the fare hike yesterday.

The number of applications is only about 11 percent of the total 256,621 PUVs covered by the fare increase.

The LTFRB again reminded operators and commuters that drivers may only collect higher fares if the fare matrix is visible inside the vehicle.

Data from the LTFRB showed that 17,496 out of the 182,615 public utility jeepneys (PUJs) nationwide have applied for the fare matrix.

There were also 1,263 city buses and 5,344 provincial buses that applied for the fare matrix. As for taxis and airport taxis, there were 6,053 applications and 27 applications, respectively.

The LTFRB clarified that transport network vehicle service (TNVS) units do not need to apply for a fare matrix as it would already be reflected in the app.

The LTFRB said commuters may file complaints against PUV operators and drivers who demand higher fares as it is for their safety that the guides are being required.

The base fares for traditional and modern jeepneys were provisionally increased to P12 and P14, respectively, from the current P11 and P13. The per kilometer rate will also increase to P1.80 from the current P1.50 for traditional PUJs and P2.20 from P1.80 for modern jeepneys.

For buses, the board approved a P2 uniform base fare increase for both city and provincial buses, to P13 and P15, respectively.

The board also granted higher per kilometer rates, which include P2.25 per km for ordinary city buses, P2.65 for air-conditioned city buses, P2.10 for provincial deluxe, P2.35 for special deluxe and P2.90 for luxury buses.

As for taxis and TNVS units, they were granted a P5 increase in the flagdown rate.