Transport sector: Still no fare matrix from LTFRB

TRANSPORT groups Federation of Bacolod Drivers Association (Febacda) and Sentrong Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Negros (SSTONE) will meet Wednesday, July 17, to finalize their plans of holding a transport strike.

Febacda president Elizabeth Katalbas said their move is relative to the non-issuance of the fare matrix by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) so drivers of public utility jeepneys can already implement the P2.50 fare hike - from P7.50 to P9.00 for regular passengers and P7.50 from P5.00 for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and students.

SSTONE secretarygeneral Jessie Ortega has been calling LTFRB regional director Richard Osmeña to ask him when they will issue the fare matrix but he is not answering the phone calls, Katalbas said.

Katalbas said that even in Metro Manila, the transport sector is also waiting for the fare matrix.

She said that the drivers are already demanding to implement the fare hike which has been long overdue because of the continuous increase of fuel prices.

In fact, another increase was implemented by the oil companies Tuesday, July 17, she added.

She also lamented that the government will also raise additional revenues out of the fare matrix because the operators will be paying P520 for a franchise.

The transport strike will push the government to issue the fare matrix.

The drivers’ take-home pay, she said, are affected because of the high prices of fuels and commodities. (Teresa D. Ellera/SunStar Bacolod)