LTFRB expects to hear jeepney fare hike petition mid- October
THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it expects to start hearing by mid- October a fare hike petition filed by jeepney operators’ associations.
The mid- October estimate, issued by Board Member Aileen Lourdes A. Lizada, follows a 15day publication requirement for such petitions.
Jeepney associations filed a petition yesterday for an increase in the basic jeepney fare to P10 from the current P8 in Metro Manila and Regions 3 and 4.
“The increase has a social impact and the Board must thoroughly deliberate the matter,” Ms. Lizada told reporters in a message.
Ms. Lizada said public utility jeepneys (PUJs) are estimated to number 200,000 nationwide.
Ms. Lizada also said the LTFRB has taken notice of the 30% year- on-year increase in pump prices of fuel.
The petitioners have been identified as Zenaida Maranan representing the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines ( FEJODAP); Efren de Luna for the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO); Orlando Marquez for Liga ng Transport Operator ng Pilipinas (LTOP); Melencio Vargas of the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP); and Roberto Martin of Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila & Suburbs Drivers Association ( PASANG MASDA).
The petition cited increases in diesel pump prices in August and September, to P32.64 per liter from P30.05 previously.
The petitioners also said that due to the peso’s depreciation, spare parts are now more expensive, increasing operating costs.
“It is just and necessary to seek relief... [ and request] for the increase of the minimum fare for the first four kilometers from P8 to P10 in order to cover the increase in diesel price, spare parts, and other operational costs for our member drivers and operators,” the petitioners said.
Ms. Lizada said that the LTFRB will be inviting commuters’ groups to a separate hearing on Sept. 27 “to hear the side of the commuters.” —