LTFRB orders P0.50-jeepney fare cut in Region IV

MANILA, Philippines – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved a P0.50-rollback on minimum jeepney fare in Region IV.

The minimum fare for the first 4 kilometers is now P8.00. Fares for succeeding kilometers will remain at P1.50 per kilometer.

The decision covers Calabarzon (Region IV-A) and Mimaropa (Region IV-B). The Calabarzon region is composed of the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon; the Mimaropa region is composed of Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan.

The LTFRB decision was based on the petition filed by Negros Oriental Representative Manuel Iway on October 22, 2014, for the reduction of fares of public utility jeepneys (PUJs) in the National Capital Region (NCR), Region III, and Region IV.

The petition asked for the reduction of the minimum fare for public utility jeepneys (PUJs) to P8 ($0.18*) from P8.50 ($0.19), for the first 4 kilometers.

It also sought a 10-centavo reduction in fares for every succeeding kilometer from the current rate of P1.50. ($0.03).

In its decision, the LTFRB cited the continuous rollback of diesel prices as basis for its decision to approve the fare rollback.

Several PUJ drivers’ associations have opposed the rollback, saying the prices of spare parts and maintenance of their vehicles remain high. 

The LTFRB, however, said that these factors “are of minimal effect” because the operating expense “is not on a day-to-day basis.”

“Passengers should also feel the effect of the continuing rollbacks of diesel prices without compromising the welfare of the operators and drivers,” the agency added.

LTFRB said the order takes effect immediately upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the region. – Rappler.com