By Katrina Gracia Consebido
Transport groups are pushing for a 15-peso minimum jeepney fare, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
LTFRB Executive Director Ma. Kristina Cassion said that their department is currently assessing the petitions and that they are fully aware of the current situation of public vehicle drivers and operators.
“Batid po natin iyong kahilingan po nila, and the situation on the ground po tells us na nahihirapan na rin po sila,” Cassion said.
The LTFRB has ongoing sessions regarding the requested fare hike and is just waiting for feedback from the National Economic and Development Authority’s and other economic managers before issuing a decision.
“Ito iyong mga ina-assess ng board natin, in fact, naka-three executive sessions na tayo with the board and our technical persons. And [we are] considering also the feedback or the position papers of our resource persons from NEDA and other economic management ng mga agencies po ‘no,” she added.
Cassion said the LTFRB and NEDA are “balancing the interest” of the “economic viability” of all commuters and operators amid the continuous increase of fuel price.
On June 8, the LTFRB approved the provisional fare increase of P1 for public utility jeepneys in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon. – ag
