EDITORIAL - Fare increase

From P6.50, the minimum fare for Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs) in Central Visayas now stands at P8 following the approval by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) of a petition filed by a transport group last April 24.

Board Resolution No. 072, series of 2019 – signed by LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III, OIC executive director Ronaldo Corpus, and board member Antonio Gardiola Jr. – approved the provisional increase of P1.50 for PUJs in the region.

The fare hike is 50 centavos less than the P2 the 1-United Transport Koalisyon (1-UTAK) petitioned before the board on April 10. The group cited the series of increases in the prices of diesel as one of the major reasons for its petition.

As PUJ drivers are now allowed to collect the new fare amount, they should see to it that they have already secured a new fare matrix. Under LTFRB guidelines, only those with fare matrix can start collecting the new fare amount.

Besides, passengers should also look for any new fare matrix posted inside the PUJ before giving driver the exact amount to see  if the vehicle operator has complied with the LTFRB guidelines on the new fare hike.

It is undeniable that there are PUJ drivers who are taking advantage of the situation, collecting the new rate from hapless passengers despite having no fare matrix. Such an act is tantamount to highway robbery.

We have seen many incidents before in which arguments would erupt between PUJ drivers and passengers, since many drivers would insist on collecting the new fare amount even if they do not have the new fare matrix.

This is why the authorities should monitor PUJs across the region following the approval of the petition. LTFRB’s work does not cease the moment it approves any fare hike increase petition. Its duty also includes religious monitoring as to whether or not the transport sector is complying with the fare matrix provision.