LTFRB: Jeep fare hike unlikely before yearend

Commuters may yet get through the holidays without the added burden of a P2 provisional fare hike for passenger jeeps, a Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board hinted Wednesday. LTFRB board member Manuel Iway said they want to hear the sides of all concerned groups on the matter, radio dzBB's Allan Gatus reported. The dzBB report quoted Iway as saying the LTFRB is set to hold public hearings on the matter next week. He also noted the fare hike would be an additional burden on commuters especially with the Christmas holidays approaching. Last Monday, at least six transport groups asked the LTFRB to hike the minimum fare rate for jeepneys from the present P8 to P10 in Metro Manila and Central and Southern Luzon areas. Earlier reports identified the groups as:

• Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Associations of the Philippines (Fejodap)
• Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Associations of the Philippines (Altodap)
• Liga ng Transportasyon at Opereytors sa Pilipinas (LTOP)
• MTU-Transporter
• Alliance of Concerned Transport Operators (ACTO)
• Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association (Pasang Masda)