COMMUTERS taking buses and minibuses will have to pay higher fares soon.

Julito Flores, Cebu Provincial Bus and Minibus Operators Cooperative (CPBMOC) president, said they want to implement bus fares based on the latest matrix approved by the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board, which is P6 for every five kilometers and P1.20 for the succeeding kilometers.

Buses and minibuses now charge P5 for every five kilometers and P1 per succeeding kilometer.

Gov. Hilario Davide III said he supports the plan as long as CPBMOC continues to provide discounts to students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Flores said that even before the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law, they planned to raise fares should diesel prices reach P40 per liter. Yesterday, diesel price was P41.35.