LTFRB resets hearing on jeepney fare hike

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) yesterday reset the hearing on the P2 fare hike petition of transport groups to Feb. 13 next year.

The LTFRB board led by Chairman Martin Delgra III rescheduled the hearing after Melencio Vargas, president of the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Associations of the Philippines (ALTODAP), said they were not prepared to present evidence to justify a fare increase.

Vargas said they were gathering receipts on the rising costs of jeepney spare parts, which would validate the need to increase the  P8 minimum fare.

He said these expenses and the high prices of fuel are added burdens to jeepney drivers and operators.

Vargas said getting a fare hike during the holiday season is not feasible as it would put additional burden on the riding public.

“We are concerned for the welfare of the commuters,” he said.

ALTODAP represented the other transport groups that filed a petition for a fare increase last September. They were the Federation of Jeepney Operatos and Drivers’ Associations of the Philippines, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization, Liga ng Transport Operations ng Pilipinas and Pangkalahatang Sangguniang Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association or Pasang Masda.

Delgra suggested that the transport groups amend their petition.

The LTFRB is expecting that the groups will seek another fare increase once the government’s jeepney modernization program starts next year.

Vargas said he would relay the LTFRB’s proposal to other transport leaders.

In an interview with reporters, Vargas said around 500 modern jeepneys would ply the streets of Metro Manila early next year.

The air-conditioned vehicles can accommodate 23 passengers, he said.

The ideal jeepney fare is P10 for the first four kilometers, Vargas said.