THE public hearing for Basak-Lapu-Lapu City Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association’s (Balacjoda) request for a P2.50 provisional increase on minimum fare in Central Visayas will be this Monday, Oct. 15.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 Regional Director Eduardo Montealto Jr. confirmed that the hearing will start at 1 p.m. in their office at the North Reclamation Area.

The request for provisional increase is a first in Cebu that is initiated by a transport group following a series of increases in fuel price.

Montealto said that compared to petitions for permanent fare increase, provisional hikes recommended by the regional office are usually more likely to be approved.

If the P2.50 provisional increase will be approved by the central office, the minimum fare in Cebu and Central Visayas will be P9.

Balacjoda filed its petition last month.

Last Monday, mini-bus operators also filed their petition for a P4 increase in minimum fare.

Montealto said the petition is now in their office and they are still waiting for its publication in a newspaper so they can proceed with scheduling a public hearing.

If approved, the minimum mini-bus fare will be from P6.50 to P10.50.

The hearings are open to the public. (HBL)