As the fare hike starts on Monday, Oct. 3, for passenger jeepney and other public utility vehicles (PUVs), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) reminded commuters not to pay extra unless there is a new fare matrix displayed inside the vehicles.

A fare matrix displayed conspicuously inside the PUVs is one of the strict conditions in the implementation of the fare adjustment.

LTFBR Chairperson Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil said the display of fare matrix as a condition for fare hike is stipulated in the resolutions that approve the fare adjustments last month.

“PUVs covered by the fare hike resolutions need to have their fare matrix in their vehicles to be able to collect the fare increase,” Garafil told the Manila Bulletin.

“Otherwise, they should only collect the old rates,” she added.

The LTFRB earlier opened their offices on Saturdays to accommodate more PUV operators to get a fare matrix.

Fare Hike

On Sept. 16, the LTFRB issued separate resolutions approving the petition for fare increase for passenger jeepneys, buses, and Taxi and Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) nationwide.

Based on the LTFRB decision, the traditional jeepney will have a new minimum fare of P12 that will cover first four kilometers and P1.80 for every succeeding kilometer. On the other hand, modern jeepneys will have a new minimum fare of P14 for first four kilometers and P2.20 for every succeeding kilometer.

For the buses, those with Metro Manila routes will have P13 minimum fare for first four kilometers and P2.25 for every succeeding kilometer while city aircon buses will be P15 minimum fare and P2.65 for every succeeding kilometer.

For all provincial buses, the new minimum fare will be P11. The succeeding kilometer for ordinary provincial buses will be at P1.90. for de luxe provincial buses is P2.10 for every succeeding kilometer, the S de luxe provincial buses will have a succeeding kilometer rate at P2.35 and for luxury provincial buses is P2.90.

For taxis, the new flagdown rate will be at P45 and P2 for every succeeding kilometer.

And for TNVS, the sedan type will have a flagdown rate of P45, P55 flagdown rate for AUV-SUV type and and P35 for hatchback type. There is no increase for the succeeding kilometer.

Complaints

The LTFRB is now consolidating the complaints it received for the premature charging of fare hike. Based on the Sept. 20 data, the LTFRB received more than 1,300 complaints for early charging of fare adjustment.

Based on the LTFRB policy, he first offense for illegal fare increase implementation is P5,000 and P10,000 for second offense.

For the third offense, the penalty is P15,000 and cancellation of Certificate of Public Conveyance (CPC).

New routes

On Friday Sept. 30, the LTFRB also opened more pre-pandemic routes not only as a form of assistance to the operators and drivers affected by the lockdowns due to the Covid-19 pandemic but also in preparation for the full face-to-face implementation in schools by November this year.

Based on the LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2022-073, the reopened routes include traditional passenger jeepneys, modern jeepneys and UVE under the Metro Manila Urban Transport Integration Study Update and Capacity Program (MUCEP) Area.

Out of the 43 reopened routes, 20 of them are passenger buses routes that cover 1,675 units.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Aaron Recuenco

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