Transport group asks LTFRB to act on fare hike petition

CEBU, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) should start deliberating the fare hike petition filed by the Basak-Lapulapu City Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (BALACJODA) as another round of fuel price hike is expected to take effect today.

"LTFRB should not delay the deliberation of the petition.  The prices of oil have gone down and for sure, these will increase soon and they have yet to act on our petition," said Metudio Belarmino, the consultant of BALACJODA.

Belarmino explained that another round of excise tax under the TRAIN Law is already in effect starting this month.

To recall, BALACJODA filed a P2.50 provisional fare hike petition last year.

The minimum fare for jeepneys in Central Visayas will be P9 should the LTFRB board members and the chairman will approve such amount.

Eduardo Montealto, LTFRB regional director, earlier said that he has already made a recommendation to their head office as to the amount of fare increase for Central Visayas.

However, he refused to disclose how much the amount is because their Central Office has the final say.

To date, Central Visayas jeepney's minimum fare is P6.50 and students, senior citizens and  persons with disabilities enjoy a 20 percent discount for the minimum fare.

LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra, in a recent interview, said that they are now forming a technical working group to study on what formula to adopt about the rising and decreasing prices of fuel prices in relation to jeepney fare hike. (FREEMAN)