Jeepney fare hike starts today

Only public utility jeepneys (PUJs) with official fare matrices are allowed to implement the P2 fare hike, said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB-6).

Regular passengers, starting today, will pay a minimum fare of P8.50 for the first four kilometers for jeepneys plying routes in the city and province of Iloilo.

Students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) will pay P6.80.

Richard Osmeña, LTFRB-6 director, said drivers should display original copies of the fare matrix inside their jeepneys.

“It should be conspicuously seen by their passengers,” he stressed.

The fare matrix, which is being sold by the LTFRB-6 at P610, bears the increase in jeepney fare rates.

The director urged the riding public to report those drivers who are implementing the fare increase without fare matrices.

If found guilty, the erring drivers will pay a fine of P5,000, Osmeña said.

As of Wednesday afternoon, only 10 percent of about 6,000 jeepney drivers in Iloilo secured fare matrices, Osmeña noted.

“Our drivers have only until Thursday, Aug. 30, to purchase the fare matrix,” he said.

The drivers sought the increase primarily due to higher prices of petroleum products caused by the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN).

SOURCE: Iloilo Metropolitan Times

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