Jeepney fares nationwide, except Region 12, to go up by 50 centavos Wednesday
Starting on Wednesday, minimum jeepney fares nationwide, except in Region 12, will be P8.50 per passenger, higher by 50 centavos from the current fare. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved on Tuesday a petition for a 50-centavo provisional hike from the current fare of P8.00 per passenger. In an interview over radio dzBB, Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Manuel Roxas II said: "Ang report ni LTFRB Chairman [Jaime] Jacob, pinagpasyahan ng LTFRB na 50 centavos one-time sa unang sakay ang dagdag na maaaring ipataw ng jeep drivers." In a separate interview over radio dzBB, LTFRB board member Manuel Iway said the provisional fare hike will take effect on Wednesday. Iway said the fare hike will apply to all regions except Region 12, which did not seek a fare adjustment. He said there was no need for a fare matrix because the 50-centavo hike is just an "add-on." There will be no additional charge for every kilometer after the first five kilometers. Iway added that the provisional fare hike will be in effect while the LTFRB deliberates on the "main" petition for a P2 fare hike. Earlier, LTFRB spokesperson Sonia del Mundo said the LTFRB considers a petition to hike jeepney fares as “urgent.” However, Del Mundo said a petition for a P2 increase to the current P8 minimum fare for jeepneys is still undergoing public hearings and consultations. Among the transport groups that sought a 50-centavo provisional fare hike were:
- Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap)
- Alliance of Concerned Transport Operators (ACTO)
- Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association (Pasang Masda)
- 1-Utak
- Liga ng Transportasyon at Opereytors sa Pilipinas (LTOP)