The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved a P1 provisional increase in the minimum rate of public utility jeepneys on Wednesday.
The fare increase will apply to jeepneys operating in Metro Manila, Regions 3 and 4.
Now, P10 is the minimum charge for the first four kilometers.
Various transportation organizations had petitioned for the increase as oil prices continued to rise.
1-United Transport Koalisyon, Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila & Suburbs Drivers Association Nationwide o Pasang Masda, Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, and Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations were among those who signed the petition.
The groups requested a P5 fare raise as early as March 2022, but the LTFRB denied them.
LTRB said, “while the Board recognizes the plight of the Filipino people every time an increase in price of commodities occur, including the cost of public transport, it cannot be insensitive to the clamor and plight of PUV operators and drivers who are responsible in ensuring a steady supply of public transport services.”
P1 provisional fare hike for jeepneys in NCR, Regions 3 and 4 approved
“It is noteworthy that the PUJ service, to which mode of public transport the petitioners belong, carries the most number of ordinary commuters on a daily basis,” LTFRB said, adding it needs to balance “the economic viability of the industry versus the welfare of the riding public.”
On June 6, the price of gasoline increased by P2.70 per liter, diesel by P6.55, and kerosene by P5.45.
Pump prices in the United States have been on the rise for the majority of the year, with only eight weekly rollbacks scheduled for 2022.
According to the most recent figures available from the Department of Energy (DOE), year-to-date adjustments for gasoline, diesel, and kerosene as of May 31, 2022, show a net rise of P23.85 per liter for gasoline, P30.30 per liter for diesel, and P27.65 per liter for kerosene.
According to a DOE official, oil price hikes, which are already a burden for motorists and public utility vehicle (PUV) users, are projected to continue in the coming weeks.
The three previous rollbacks, DOE claims, were caused by China’s recent lockdown in Beijing and Shanghai.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.