By John Noel E. Herrera
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board approved on Friday, Sept 19, 2022, a fare increase for jeepneys, taxis, buses, and Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS).
Based on the decision released by the board, the P1 provisional increase was approved for traditional and modern public utility jeepneys for the first four kilometers.
The minimum base fare for traditional public utility jeepneys (TPUJ) will be P12 and P14 for modern public utility jeepneys (MPUJ).
The LTFRB also approved a P2 base fare increase for city and provincial buses for the first five kilometers, and an increase of P0.35 to P0.50 for the succeeding kilometers, depending on the type of bus.
There is also an approved increase of P5 for the flag down rate of taxis and TNVS, making the minimum fare for taxis and sedan-type TNVS at P45 and AUV/SUV-type TNVS at P55.
LTFRB also emphasized that the 20 percent discount for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and students would still be effective.
Meanwhile, LTFRB in Western Visayas said that the office has yet to receive an official copy of their central office’s decision.
LTFRB-6 legal counsel Atty. Altura said that once they receive the official order from the central office, they will immediately issue a new fare matrix.
Drivers should also secure a copy of the new fare matrix and display it in their vehicles.
ON DRIVERS AND COMMUTERS
Upon hearing the news about the fare hike, several drivers in Iloilo expressed delight, as it is a big help with the successive increases in fuel prices.
According to Ronald of Villa, Arevalo, who is driving a Villa-Baybay jeep, the increase in fares is really a big help for him and his family.
“Dako gid ni nga bulig sa amon sang pamilya ko. Piso-piso lang ang dugang pero supot man ni, dugang sa kita namon pamakal man kinahanglanon, kag kay iban daan nga pasahero kaisa ga 1-2-3 (wala gabayad),” Ronald said.
Antonio Econde, a taxi driver from Igbaras, Iloilo also said that it is the right time already for a fare hike because of the increase in prices of fuels and commodities as well.
“Gamahal ruman abi tanan kag tanan maapektuhan man. Sa amon nga taxi drivers, ti mayad gid eh, makabulig-bulig man kay namon kapin pa mahal man gas,” Econde said.
Commuters, on the other hand, felt disappointed with the news as it will become an added burden for them.
Chrisa Eurolfan of Igbaras, Iloilo, a college student, said that the fare hike would give her additional expenses and be a burden for her parents.
“Ang plete paadto-pauli Igbaras halin sa skwelahan, P160 na tanan, tapos ma saka pa gid, t ang gastos grabe man, mas budlay pa gid sa parents ko nga ga tau nakon allowance,” Eurolfan said.
Eunice Gregorio, a fresh graduate, also said that the increase in fares is disappointing, especially for someone like her who is traveling constantly from Ajuy, Iloilo to Iloilo City on a bus to process her papers for work.
“Sang nabal-an ko nga mapasaka naman plete, daw ka disappointing lang kay ti ang galastusan damo naman, tapos ga process ka mag work, ma start ka pa lang, tapos amu na ni gakatabo,” Gregorio said.
