THE transport sector in Negros Occidental is still waiting for the fare matrix for the implementation of the P9 hike by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Beth Katalbas, president of the Federation of Bacolod Drivers Association, said the drivers cannot implement the fare hike without the matrix because the commuters will complain and ask for the matrix.

"The commuters now are so vigilant that they will definitely question the drivers without the matrix,” Katalbas pointed out.

She said they are giving LTFRB time to issue the fare matrix which would give additional revenue to the government.

The operators, she said, will pay P520 for each franchise and two photocopies at P50 each.

She said that they have been waiting for the fare matrix since last month, adding they are giving the LTFRB until end of the month to issue the matrix.

"If the LTFRB still cannot issue the matrix we may hold a transport holiday or transport strike,” she said.

She said they will meet with Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Negros (Stone) to finalize their plans.

For United Negros Drivers and Operators Center secretary-general Diego Malacad, they will hold a transport holiday if the LTFRB cannot issue the fare matrix on July 12.

Katalbas said the fare hike is long overdue because the drivers and operators are affected with the continuous increase in the prices of fuels.

Another price hike is implemented today, July 10, by the oil companies at the average of 50 centavos for gasoline and 40 centavos for diesel.