No jeepney fare hike after big-time oil price rollback, LTFRB says
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Friday announced there will be no fare hike for traditional and modern jeepneys after a big-time oil price rollback lowered diesel prices.
Transportation groups are seeking a P1 to P2 fare hike from the current P13 minimum fare for traditional jeepneys and the P15 minimum fare for modern jeepneys.
In a statement, acting Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez said it was not the right time for a fare hike.
“A fare hike will have a big impact in the economy as a whole, especially since many provinces are yet to recover from the effects of calamities, such as the past earthquakes and typhoons,” Lopez said.
A study by the Department of Economy, Planning and Development showed that a P1 to P2 base fare hike for jeepneys would increase the country’s inflation rate in the next two years.
Aside from affecting commuters, he said the fare hike would also affect the prices of basic goods.
On the other hand, LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza said five regions, including three of the most populous regions in the country, are against a fare hike.
These include Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, Central Visayas and Metro Manila.
Crackdown vs colorum PUVs
In addition, a study by the LTFRB and dialogues held with transport groups showed public utility vehicle (PUV) operators are having second thoughts about a fare hike.
To help ensure sufficient earnings for PUV drivers and operators, the DOTr and the LTFRB, in partnership with the Department of Justice and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, created the Anti-Colorum Task Force to go after individuals and groups behind unregistered or “colorum” PUVs.
According to a study by the LTFRB, as much as 30 percent of legitimate PUV drivers and operators are taken away by colorum PUVs.
“We will chase and catch everyone involved in these illegal operations. The DOTr and the LTFRB will not stop in our pursuit for the sake of legitimate PUV drivers and commuters who rely on them),” Lopez said.
On the other hand, Mendoza called on unregistered PUVs, particularly unregistered transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers and operators, to make use of the 17,000 registration slots available for TNVS.
