No matrix, no new fare rate collection

CEBU, Philippines —  The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has reminded the public and transport operators and drivers that the recent fare hike among public utility vehicles it approved will take effect on October 3, 2022.

This follows that without the fare matrix or fare guide, PUV operators or drivers cannot collect the new fare rate come the date of implementation.

LTFRB-7 regional director Eduardo Montealto Jr. said that except for UV Express, all other denominations such as public utility jeepneys, taxi, bus and TNVS will increase their respective fare come October 3, 2022 which is 15 days after the LTFRB Board issued a decision on September 16, 2022.

Based on the LTFRB decision, the traditional jeepneys will have a new minimum fare of P12 for the first four kilometers and P1.80 for every succeeding kilometer. Current fare is P11 for the first four kilometers and P1.50 for every succeeding kilometer.

For modernized jeepneys, the new minimum fare will be P14 for the first four kilometers and P2.20 for every succeeding kilometer. Current fare is P13 for the first four kilometers and P1.80 for every succeeding kilometer.

The decision added that for all provincial buses, the new minimum fare will be P11 from P9. The new succeeding kilometer for ordinary provincial buses will be at P1.90 from P1.55; P2.10 for deluxe provincial buses from P1.75; P2.35 for the S deluxe provincial buses from P1.95; and P2.90 for luxury provincial buses from P2.40.

For taxi units, the new flagdown rate will be at P45 from P40.

The decision added that the fare adjustment for taxi service is likewise applicable to airport taxi service which is now permanently authorized to increase flagdown rate by P15 thereby increasing the rate from the previously reduced flagdown rate of P60 to P75 by virtue of decision approving the reduction of fare dated March 8, 2016 under case number 2014-19244.

For the TNVS, although the LTFRB decided to effect no increase in the succeeding kilometer, but the flagdown rate for sedan type will be P45 from P40; P55 from P50 for the AUV-SUV type; and P35 from P30 for hatchback type.

LTFRB further urged the public to report to its 24/7 Hotline: 1342 for complaints of overcharging especially those who already collected the new fare rate or send messages to LTFRB Official Facebook page or to their official website. — GMR (FREEMAN)