Pre-determined fare matrix draws mixed reactions

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Central Visayas welcomed the Department of Transportation’s directive to come up with a “parametric formula for fare adjustments” that will automatically calculate public-utility vehicle (PUV) fare adjustments.

LTFRB-7 Regional Director Eduardo Montealto said this would ease up the processes, including hearings and publications.

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, in a statement, said fare increases should follow a pre-determined matrix, wherein there will be clear-cut guidelines when fares should be increased or lowered.

But the development did not sit well with the Basak-Lapu-Lapu City Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (BALACJODA).

"Sa pagkakaron supak mi anang predetermined matrix kay ang pagpasaka o pagpaubos pletehan sa jeepney dili ra ang presyo sa lana," said BALACJODA consultant Metudio Belarmino

He said other factors to consider are the prices of products of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPC) in the market.

"Kung moubos sa presyo lana, mo ubos ba gyud dayon ang presyo sa mga basic ug prime commodities? Di ra ba gyud. Kung mao na ang gusto sa DOTr, dapat apilon na nila ang Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture ug uban pa before na sila mo-come up with a pre-determined fare matrix," he said.

Tugade said the matrix will be subjected to discussions and deliberations before it will be implemented.

“That matrix is not unilateral, that is the one subject to hearing. When agreed upon, it will be smooth-sailing,” he said.

On the other hand, transport groups in Cebu now await the final decision of the LTFRB chairman on the P2.50 provisional fare hike petition filed last month.

The LTFRB-7 has already approved and forwarded BALACJODA’s petition and its recommended amount, which Montealto refused to divulge, to its head office. —