THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, approved a P1 provisional minimum fare increase for public utility jeepneys (PUJ) in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Calabarzon.
The fare increase is effective Thursday, June 9.
The order will increase the base fare for jeepneys or for the first four kilometers to P10.
This was in response to the petition filed by various transport groups in March 2022 amid a series of oil price hikes brought about by the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
The petitioners, including 1-United Transport Alliance Koalisyon (1-Utak), Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila & Suburbs Drivers Association Nationwide (Pasang Masda), Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, and Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations, sought for a P5 increase.
"While the Board recognizes the plight of the Filipino people every time an increase on price of commodities occur, including the cost of public transport, it cannot be insensitive to the clamor and plight of PUV operators and drivers who are responsible in ensuring a steady supply of public transport services,” the LTFRB said.
"It is noteworthy that the PUJ service, to which mode of public transport the petitioners belong, carries the most number of ordinary commuters on a daily basis. It is the mandate and duty of the LTFRB to judiciously balance the economic viability of the industry versus the welfare of the riding public," it added.
1-Utak Party-list chairman Vigor Mendoza said they appealed for a P2 increase when the P5 was rejected.
Although he said it is still not enough, P1 is still better than nothing.
“Nagpapasalamat na rin tayo kaysa wala. At least there is something to work with. This is a step to right direction- a recognition na talagang kailangan na kailangan ng ating transport sector ang tulong, ang ayuda, ang dagdag-kita para naman magawa nila ‘yung trabaho nila, to continuously serve the Filipino commuters,” he said in a television interview.
(We are grateful for this rather than having nothing. At least there is something to work with. This is a step in the right direction – a recognition that our transport sector really needs the help, the assistance, the additional income so that they can do their job to continuously serve the Filipino commuters.)
Oil prices in the country, including gasoline, diesel and kerosene, almost hit P100 per liter following another increase on Tuesday.