By Tara Yap
Jeepney|MB file
ILOILO CITY - The minimum jeepney fare in the city and province of Iloilo is scheduled to increase by P2.50 to P9.00 after the Central Office of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved the petition for fare increase filed by three different transportation groups.
The Iloilo City Loop Alliance of Jeepney Owners and Drivers Association (ICLAJODA), Iloilo City Alliance of Drivers’ Associations (ICADA), and Confederation of Iloilo Provincial Jeepney Owners and Drivers Association (CIPJODA) sought for a fare increase due to the effects of the excise tax under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.
ICLAJODA President Raymundo Parcon said jeepney drivers welcome the fare hike approval, which will ease the negative impact of the TRAIN Law to their livelihood.
Parcon added that LTFRB-Western Visayas Regional Director Richard Osmeña informed them that the board will release the new fare matrix next week.
Jeepney fares are currently pegged at P6.50 for regular passengers and P5 for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.