LTFRB tells PUJ drivers to hold fare hike

MANILA, Philippines -  The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on Monday warned jeepney drivers against imposing a fare increase until it resolves their petition for a hike.

LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said the Board will be forced to impose sanctions on transport groups that will defy the Board’s order not to increase minimum fares.

"Transport groups cannot simply adjust the fares whenever they want; there must be a proper forum to discuss their appeal," Ginez added.

The Board will hear the transport groups' petition for a fare increase on Mar. 7.

Transport groups--Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Pangkahalatang Sangguniang Metro Manila and Suburb Association, Alliance of Transport Operations and Drivers Association of the Philippines, and the Liga ng mga Tsuper at Operator sa Pilipinas, Inc.--are asking to increase the minimum fare to P10 from the current P8.

The petition includes a plea to the Board to grant jeepney operators a P.50 provisional increase.

"Masusing pinag-aaralan ng Board sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa iba pang government agencies bago kami magdesisyon kung kailangan nga bang payagan ang mga transport groups na i-adjust ang pamasahe," Ginez said.

The LTFRB chief said that the transport groups must support their petition with solid evidence that the increase is necessary.

“While we are concerned with the PUJ drivers’ and operators’ plight, we need to carefully study if the fare increase is justified. We are requesting the transport groups to present studies and projections showing possible losses as a result of the factors they mentioned in their petition, and other relevant documents that could prove the fare increase adjustment can be granted by the Board," Ginez added.

Other government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry and the National Economic and Development Authority will be invited by the Board during the hearing to provide them advice on the possible impact of the requested fare increase, including how it will affect the stability of prices.