Operators warned: No fare hike sans LTFRB approval

CEBU, Philippines — Operators of public utility vehicles are reminded that they cannot increase their fares without the approval from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

LTFRB-7 Director Ahmed Cuizon said the operators cannot use the implementation of the tax reform law as an excuse to raise fare without due process.

“They cannot just unilaterally declare nga nisaka na ang pletehan,” said Cuizon.

He said that LTFRB-7 has a roving team visiting terminals to remind the drivers that they cannot raise the fare without securing prior authority.

The implementation of the Republic Act 10963 or commonly known as TRAIN is seen to affect the transport sector because of the excise tax on petroleum products.

“I’m sure things are being prepared by Manila. As soon as we have the guidelines and the official directives about it, yes we will implement in Region-VII and in Cebu particularly,” said Cuizon.

So far, only ride-sharing company Grab has reportedly filed a petition for fare hike, citing excise taxes under TRAIN law at the national level. LTFRB-7 has yet to receive any request for fare increase from any group in Cebu.

“As of now, I have yet to receive any petition from any transport groups of Cebu, whether it’s taxi, Grab, Uber, or jeepney. That is their right. As soon as the petitions start coming in, it is our duty to hold a hearing about it and to get the sentiments not only of the operators and the transport groups themselves especially the affected passengers,” he said.

Cuizon also said that taxi operators in Cebu have agreed to only implement the fare increase approved last year after Sinulog.

The LTFRB board approved last October the new taxi fare making the P40 flagdown rate permanent from provisionary and P13.50 for every kilometer instead of the P3.50 for every 300 meters.

"Na approved man ni last October pa but ma-delayed lang ang implementation," said Cuizon.

The LTFRB has scheduled the taxi meter calibration and sealing/resealing starting last December until May this year.

The Cebu Integrated Transport Service Multi-purpose Cooperative, the biggest transport cooperative in the Visayas with over 200 taxi units, earlier said it is not yet contemplating to file another petition for taxi fare increase.

Ryan Yu, general manager and chairman of CITRASCO, said they will implement first the previously approved increase before thinking of another petition. (FREEMAN)