Transport leaders: No fare rollback

LOCAL transport leaders said there is no need for fare price rollback in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental because their fare rates are already lower compared to those in Metro Manila.

At present, regular jeepney fare rate in Western Visayas is P7.50. The rate for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities is P6.

Elizabeth Katalbas, chair of the Federation of Bacolod City Drivers Association (Febacda), said that since the fare rates here have been lower, at the height of higher fuel prices, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) did not approve their petition for a 50 centavos fare increase.

Diego Malacad, secretary general of United Negros Drivers and Operators Center (Undoc), also said that even if there is no fare rollback in the province and the rest of Region 6, most drivers allow commuters to pay only P7 for regular fare.

The drivers understand the commuters and they do not complain, he said.

Last week, the LTFRB ordered to bring back the minimum fare of jeepneys from P8.50 to P7.50 in the National Capital Region.

LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez said the board has directed regional LTFRB directors to assess the prevailing condition in their areas and make recommendation if minimum fare rollback is also feasible in their respective jurisdiction.

"Due to the continued decline in oil prices as the global market, the Board decided to implement provisional reduction in the minimum jeep fare in NCR," Ginez said.

"This will be a great help to conserve the public P1 discounted fares especially during Christmas season," he added.

National Council for Commuter Protection president Elvie Medina, in a separate interview, said that the group was thankful for the rollback, adding that such would be a perfect Christmas gift for commuters.

“We are thankful that the LTFRB arrived at this decision,” Medina said.

“We see that they kept their promise that if there should be a rollback in the prices of diesel and other petroleum products, they will not also oppose a rollback in jeep fare,” Medina added. (With reports from PNA)

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