DOTr debunks projected P50 minimum fare for modern jeepneys
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has denied rumors that the minimum fare for modern jeepneys will increase to P50 once the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) takes full effect.
DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista maintained that the primary consideration for any fare increase in public transport is the cost of fuel, gasoline or crude prices, not the modernization of public utility vehicle.
"Fare increase petitions are always subject to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) enbanc deliberation. It will also require NEDA [National Economic Development Authority] opinion as to the inflationary effect of any increase as well as giving due consideration to affordability of the commuting public," he said.
"Thus, LTFRB requests commuter groups to submit to the Board their position on fare increase petitions," he added.
Bautista insisted that the LTFRB has always balanced the need of drivers against commuters when fuel price increase happens.
"As such, we strongly believe there is NO BASIS on the alleged P50 minimum fare," he continued.
The projection was made by think tank Ibon Foundation which issued a statement saying that the minimum fare for the modern jeepneys under the PUVMP could reach up to P50 within the next five years since drivers will now be part of a corporation or cooperative instead of being managed by an operator.
In a press briefing on Friday, January 5, DOTr Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) Chairman Jesus "Andy" Ortega said that the minimum fare for traditional jeepney was at P9 and P11 for modern jeepney when the PUV Modernization Program started in 2017.
In 2023 or after six years, Ortega said that the minimum fare for traditional jeepney is P13 and modern jeep is now P15 which means that the P2-difference has been maintained and the projection made by Ibon Foundation "has no historical basis."
"Going back sa kanilang ibinabalita na projected P50 minimum fare, mahirap pong paniwalaan, wala pong basis, and it is wrong to say something na medyo nakakatakot po kung wala po tayong basis. It is unfair po sa ating riding public for them to know such information (Going back to what they are reporting about the projected P50 minimum fare, it's hard to believe in, it has no basis, and it is wrong to say something that is quite scary if we have no basis. It is unfair for the riding public to know such information)," he stressed.