By Alec Go
Preparations are underway for the implementation of the proposed fare discount to public utility vehicles (PUV) passengers, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said Wednesday, March 15.
This is through the Service Contracting Program’s budget that has yet to be downloaded to the LTFRB.
“We are just waiting for the downloading of the money to the LTFRB. Pagkatapos niyan tuloy-tuloy na ‘yung Service Contracting (Program),” LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III said.
“We also have to take the cue from the Office of the Secretary, how they intend to do it. I think ang gagawin lang nila is discount lang ang ibibigay sa mga tao para ‘yung pera na P1.2 billion mapagkasya sa maraming mga transport services on a nationwide scale,” he added.
The proposed discount also seeks to bring down traditional jeepney fares to P9 from the current P12.
“I believe the budget may last only for about 6 months, half a year,” Guadiz said.
“So as early as now, I am requesting the DOTr [Department of Transportation] to come up with additional funding para mapagkasya po namin hanggang sa katapusan ng taon ‘yung pera,” he added. – gb
