JUST weeks after the central office of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved the petition of transportation groups to increase the fare by P2.50 in Western Visayas, the fare matrix has yet to be released.
Although the impending implementation of the fare hike here is met with mixed reactions, it is the clamor of the many drivers due to the continuing increase in the prices of fuels.
On one hand, it could help the day to day earnings of struggling drivers, but then again, the prices of basic commodities continue to soar, making it hard for the already cash-strapped citizens.
Currently, the jeepney fares for regular passengers are at P6.50 and five pesos for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and students.
After the implementation of the fare increase, it would be nine pesos for regular passengers and P7.50 for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and students.
But the LTFRB has yet to release the new fare matrix.
The transport groups here are planning to hold a strike due to the non-issuance of the fare matrix from the LTFRB.
This is a call to the agency to comply, as its pronouncement weeks ago remained to be just a mere pronouncement as they have yet to act on it.
Perhaps this is a good temporary relief for the drivers as it will ease the negative impact of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion or Train law on their livelihood.