ILOILO – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved the petition for an increase in fare in traditional and modern jeepneys, buses, taxis, and transport network vehicle services (TNVS).
It will take effect on the first week of October 2022.
A P1 provisional increase was approved for traditional public utility jeepneys (TPUJs) and modern public utility jeepneys (MPUJs) for the first four kilometers.
Upon the effectivity of the decision, the minimum fare for TPUJs will be P12 while MPUJs will be at P14.
There will also be an additional charge of P0.30 per succeeding kilometer for TPUJs and an additional P0.40 per succeeding kilometer for MPUJs.
Based on the increase, the fare for every succeeding kilometer run for TPUJs will be P1.80 from the current P1.50, while for MPUJs, it will be P2.20 from P1.80.
For TPUJs
* current base fare – P11; approved base fare – P12
* current per kilometer – P1.50; approved per kilometer – P1.80
For MPUJs
* current base fare – P13; approved base fare – P14
* current per kilometer – P1.80; approved per kilometer – P2.20
For public utility buses (PUB), the LTFRB approved a P2 uniform base fare increase for city and provincial buses for the first five kilometers, and an additional of P0.35 to P0.50 for every succeeding kilometer depending on the type of bus.
For city bus (ordinary)
* current base fare – P11; approved base fare – P13
* current per kilometer – P1.85; approved per kilometer – P2.25
For city bus (aircon)
* current base fare – P13; approved base fare – P15
* current per kilometer – P2.20; approved per kilometer – P2.65
For provincial bus (ordinary)
* current base fare – P9; approved base fare – P11
* current per kilometer – P1.75; approved base fare – P2.10
On the other hand, the flagdown rate for taxis and sedan-type TNVS vehicles will now be P45 (from P40). The per-kilometer rate for taxis, however, stays at P2.
According to LTFRB chairperson Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, they approved these new rates based on the petitions filed by different transport groups across the country.
The new rates would take effect on Oct. 4, or 15 days after the publication of the corresponding memorandum circular tentatively today, Sept. 19.
Meanwhile, on the part of LTFRB-6, Atty. Jun Altura, legal counsel, said their office has yet to receive an official copy of their central office’s decision.
“We are still waiting,” he told Panay News.
Altura assured the public that once the regional office receives the official order, and its publication, they will issue a new fare matrix.
Each driver should secure a copy of the new fare matrix and display it in their vehicles.
“Before the new fare is implemented, normally naga-issue kami sang bag-o nga fare matrix,” added Altura.
MIXED REACTIONS
Jenny Mae Emolaga of New Lucena, Iloilo and a university student in La Paz district said that as a daily TPUJ commuter, she is very disappointed. Her travel expenses – two rides to and from school – will significantly increase.
For Emolaga, not only will it be an additional burden for her parents. She cannot wrap her head around how she could make ends meet with her daily allowance.
“Paano na lang ni ang budget ko sa adlaw-adlaw ko nga garastuson and also mga balaydan sa school,” said Emolaga.
Meanwhile, according to Dibina Grasya Ursula, also a student in Iloilo City, this will have a negative effect on students returning to school for face-to-face classes.
“Ang taas presyo is negative gid ra tana para sa students,” said Ursula.
Drivers, on the other hand, are in high spirits.
According to Ruben Meguillo of Barangay Tagbak, Jaro district and a driver of Ungka-UI-SM City-Diversion-Highway jeepney, a P1 increase on base fare and P0.30 increase in every succeeding kilometer for TPUJs is already a big help.
“Daku gid nga bulig kay kamahal sang amon patughong kada adlaw. Nubo na daan P1,200,” said Meguillo in an interview with Panay News.
However, Meguillo said the increase should have been more than what was approved.
“Mas nami gid daan kon daku-daku ang saka para daku man ang mauli namon nga income sa amon pamilya,” he added.
According to taxi driver Narciso Rodrigo of Cabatuan town, he is happy that the flagdown rate increase from P40 to P45.
“Basi makadala na ako pauli sa balay sang P500 nga income kay subong P200 to P300 lang,” said Rodrigo.
His income everyday it is just a little more than enough to buy fuel, he said, that is why he is thankful that the LTFRB heeds to their request.
Meanwhile, Michael Romeo from San Joaquin town, also a taxi driver, said the P5 flagdown rate increase is not enough because on top of recent fuel prices, they haven’t recovered yet from losses incurred during the surges in gasoline and diesel prices in the last few months./PN
