By ALEXANDRIA SAN JUAN
A DAY after transport regulators approved a P2 fare increase on passenger jeepneys, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) granted a provisional fare increase of P1 to commuter buses in Metro Manila.
In an order dated Oct. 18, the board allowed ordinary and air-conditioned public utility buses in the National Capital Region to charge an additional P1 on top of their base fare.
Ordinary and air-conditioned buses in Metro Manila are now authorized to increase its fare from P10 to P11, and from P12 to P13, respectively, for the first five kilometers of travel.
However, there are no increase on charge for the succeeding kilometers that will remain at P1.85 for ordinary buses, and P2.20 for air-conditioned buses.
Meanwhile, the LTFRB did not grant a base fare increase for provincial buses but authorized them to charge an additional P0.15 for every suceeding kilometers after the first five kilometers.
Based on the order signed by LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra III and members Ronaldo Corpus and Aileen Lizada, the authority to provisionally increase fare rates shall be effective by November or 15 days after publication of decision.
The resolution came after a Southern Luzon Bus Operators Association (SOLUBOA), Nagkakaisang Samahan ng Nangangasiwa ng Panlalawigang Bus sa Pilipinas (formerly PBOAP), and Samahang Transport Operators ng Pilipinas (STOP), Inc., filed last February a joint petition for adjustment for PUBs with prayer for provisional increase.
In their petition, the groups noted that there was no increase on fare of PUBs since March 2011, in which at that time, the price of diesel was at P35 and now increased to P47.
The petitioners also emphasized that the “price of local and imported spare parts cumulatively amounting to 10%” has an impact to bus operators and drivers.
In which, the Board replied in the order that it is “not insensitive to the current economic situation of the country brought about by an escalating inflation rate, devaluation of the Philippine currency, and continued increase of oil prices in the world market.”
Meanwhile, the Board has directed all PUB operators to post a fare matrix duly used by the LTFRB inside their bus units, otherwise, they are not allowed to collect the provided fare adjustment.
The LTFRB also reminded operators and drivers that senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and students are still entitled to a 20% discount.
