LTFRB: Drivers, operators may apply for new fare matrix

Drivers and operators of public utility vehicles may start applying for a new fare matrix, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has said.

The LTFRB underscored that the fare increase will be effective by October 3, 2022.

“Yun pong adjusted nating fare kailangan ho covered ng fare matrix na duly issued by LTFRB. Anyway, ito naman ay para doon sa commuters natin, mayroon naman tayong public information dissemination kung saan nakalagay ‘yung mga approved rates and effectivity,” said LTFRB Board Member Atty. Mercy Jane Paras-Leynes in Dano Tingtungco’s report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday.

(Our adjusted fare must be covered by the fare matrix duly issued by LTFRB. Anyway, this is for our commuters, we have a public information dissemination where the approved rates and effectivity are posted.)

“Naka-post pa dito sa ating mga public utility vehicles ‘yung fare matrix na officially kinuha nila mula sa ating opisina,” she added.

(The fare matrix that they officially took from our office would still be posted on our public utility vehicles.)

Meanwhile, college student Lanj de Leon said he would look for online sideline jobs to lighten the burden of the increase in the jeepney fare.

From their home, Lanj said that his fare was P20 for a jeepney going to Philcoa, Quezon City and another P20 going to Manila City.

On his way home, he would again ride a jeep from Manila City Hall to Philcoa, costing P20. From Philcoa to Mali, San Mateo in Rizal, Lanj said he would pay another P25.

His fare for a week would cost him P85 per day or P255 in a week.

His expenses will change once the fare hike is implemented. He would have to shell out at least P96.50 per day or P289.50 per week.

“Okay lang po sana kung lahat ay tataas din. Kunwari tataas ang pamasahe pero ganoon pa rin ang income na pumapasok, masakit. ‘Yung parang mag-budget ka ulit, imbes na titipirin ko na, mapupunta pa sa pamasaheng idadagdag nila,” Lanj said.

(It’s okay if our income would also increase. For instance, the fare would increase but the income is still the same, this would hurt. It's like setting a budget and instead of being able to save money, more funds would have to go to the added fare.)

“Mag-adjust sa lahat. Kung kakayanin mo pang kumayod ng kumayod, e 'di tuloy mo lang. Kaya pa naman,” he added.

(I would adjust to everything. If I could still continue working, the I would go on. I am still capable.)

Based on the agency’s decision, the traditional jeepney will have a minimum fare of P12 that will cover the first four kilometers and P1.80 for every succeeding kilometer.

Modern jeepneys meanwhile will have a minimum fare of P14 for the first four kilometers and P2.20 for every succeeding kilometer.

“Napakahirap po ano na ma-achieve ‘yung balance noh, between the interest of the companies at ‘yung drivers. And on the other hand, ‘yun naman sa commuters, pero pinipilit ho natin na makarating doon sa pinaka-reasonable at just na rate na inilabas natin ngayon,” said Paras-Leynes.

(It is very difficult to achieve the balance between the interest of the companies and the drivers. And on the other hand, that's for the commuters, but we are trying to reach a balance at the most reasonable and just rate as that what we have released.)

Meanwhile, the LTFRB urged the commuters to inform the agency against drivers who are already implementing the fare increase via Hotline: LTFRB 24/7 hotline 1342, by sending a message at the LTFRB official Facebook page, or by visiting their official website. -- Mel Matthew Doctor/BAP, GMA News