By Alexandria Dennise San Juan
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has set a fare guideline for modern, electronic public utility jeepneys (PUJs) which are now authorized to charge 20 percent higher than regular jeepney rates.
(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
The board issued last month Memorandum Circular 2019-061 in a bid to establish a nationwide fare guideline baseline for modern PUJs and e-jeeps.
Under the circular, non-airconditioned modern and electronic jeeps are now allowed to impose fare rates 20 percent higher than regular PUJ services for the first four kilometers, but no rate difference in every succeeding kilometer.
For airconditioned modern units, they are authorized to impose fare rates 20 percent higher than regular PUJs for the first four kilometers and also for every succeeding kilometers.
The memorandum, which was signed by LTFRB members Ronaldo Corpuz and Antonio Gardiola Jr., took effect on Wednesday, December 4.
Based on the memorandum, the agency explained that "owning and operating environment friendly vehicles are actually more costly."
'No fare hike'
Meanwhile, the Board explained in a recent statement that there will be no fare increase for modern PUJs and e-jeeps.
"The LTFRB wishes to emphasize that there will be no fare hike for modern PUJs and E-jeepneys, contrary to previous reports," the agency said.
According to the LTFRB, the latest MC aims "to standardize fare computations" for such types of public utility vehicles (PUVs).
"The agency reiterates that MC 2019-061 only covers fare guidelines for Modern PUJs and E-jeepneys and shall not affect regular PUJ services," it added.