LTFRB approves 1 bus fare hike in Metro Manila
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has granted a 1 provisional fare increase on commuter buses in Metro Manila, a day after it approved a 2 jeepney fare hike.
In an Order dated October 18, the Board has provisionally
allowed ordinary and air-conditioned public utility buses in the National Capital Region to charge an additional 1 on top of the base fare.
Ordinary and air-conditioned buses in Metro Manila are now authorized to increase its fare from 10 to 11, and from 12 to 13, respectively, for the first five kilometers of travel.
There will be no increase, however, on the fare for the succeeding kilometers that will remain at 1.85 for ordinary buses, and 2.20 for airconditioned buses.
Meanwhile, the LTFRB did not grant a base fare increase for all provincial buses but authorized an additional 0.15 for every suceeding kilometers after the first five kilometers.
Based on the order signed by LTFRB Chairman Atty. Martin Delgra III and Board Members Engr. Ronaldo Corpus and Atty. Aileen Lizada, the authority to provisionally increase fare rates shall be effective next month, or 15 days after publication of decision.
The resolution came after a Southern Luzon Bus Operators Association (SOLUBOA), Nagkakaisang Samahan ng Nangangasiwa ng Panlalawigang Bus sa Pilipinas (formerly PBOAP), and Samahang Transport Operators ng Pilipinas (STOP), Inc., filed with the LTFRB last February a joint petition for adjustment for PUBs with prayer for provisional increase.
In its petition, the groups noted that there was no increase on fare of PUBs since March, 2011, in which at that time, the price of diesel was at 35 per liter, compared to the present average of 47 per liter.
The petitioners also emphasized that the "price of local and imported spare parts cumulatively amounting to 10%" has affected bus operators and drivers.
The LTFRB also reminded operators and drivers that senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and students are still entitled to a 20% discount.