LTFRB-7 to hear bus fare hike petition tomorrow

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-7 has urged the riding public to attend the public hearing tomorrow on the petition for bus fare increase.

The hearing will start at 1 p.m. at the LTFRB-7 office, said regional director Eduardo Montealto.

According to Montealto, invitations were already sent out to various transport groups and several government agencies. He said that his office has not received any opposition on the proposed fare increase as of the moment.

Earlier, the Cebu Provincial Bus Operators Association and Cebu South Mini-Bus Operators Association jointly filed a petition seeking for fare increase. CPBOA and CSMBOA are asking to raise the minimum bus fare to P10 from the first five kilometers and P1.50 for every succeeding kilometer thereafter.

At present the minimum bus fare is P6 for the first five kilometers and P1.20 for every succeeding kilometer.

CPBOA spokesman and CSMBOA president Julieto Flores said that despite the series of fuel price reductions, an increase is still needed.

Flores earlier cited the price increases in fuel and spare parts as reasons for asking the fare hike.

Meanwhile, Montealto said they have yet to decide on the fare hike petition filed by the Basak-Lapulapu City Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association. The group is seeking a P2.50 minimum fare increase.

Montealto, however, said that he has already made a recommendation to the central office but refused to reveal the amount. — Mitchelle L.