PUBLIC utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers and operators in Mindanao are not allowed to collect the fare increase granted in three regions in Luzon, a Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) official warned.
Aminoden Guro, LTFRB regional director for Northern Mindanao, said the adjusted fare matrix is applicable only in the National Capital Region as well as in Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog regions starting November.
The minimum jeepney fare in those three regions will increase to P10 in November.
Guro said, however, that he has already submitted the petition of transport groups from the region to the LTFRB central office. It is still subject for review and deliberation.
Guro said he even recommended to the agency the P10 minimum fare for Cagayan de Oro and other areas in Northern Mindanao, but added it is unlikely the fare increase in Luzon would be the same as in Mindanao.
“I have already announced that there is no fare increase for PUJs in the region. Those who will ask for more than the P7 minimum fare will be facing penalties from LTFRB,” Guro said.
He said for the first offense, a violator will be fined P5,000.
Meanwhile, Guro said 15 e-jeepney units are expected to ply a new route by the end of the year.
He said this new type of PUJs will ply the Puerto-Opol-CM Recto and will travel in a loop. The other half of the e-jeepneys will ply a reverse route.
Guro said the new route was proposed by the city government and was crafted by the Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) during a recent workshop.
LTFRB has required local government units to create their local public transport route plan so new routes could be opened in their localities.