The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will conduct a series of public hearings and consultations before deciding on the petition of transport groups to increase the jeepney minimum fare to P15.
While the LTFRB said it understands the arguments and concerns raised by the transport groups, its chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said there are protocols that must be followed for a decision that will impact on the people and the economy.
And the reason why public hearings and consultations must be done, according to Guadiz, is to ensure transparency and inclusivity in the decision-making process.
“The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) acknowledges the petition of various transport groups for a P15 minimum fare for public utility jeepneys. We understand the challenges faced by our drivers and operators due to rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of living,” said Guadiz.
“While we remain committed to ensuring that their livelihood is sustainable, we must also carefully balance this with the welfare of commuters who are equally affected by the current economic conditions,” he added.
Currently, Guadiz said the LTFRB is reviewing the petition thoroughly and will consider all relevant factors, including fuel price trends, inflation rates, and the overall economic impact on the riding public.
In the past interview, Guadiz said every fare hike must still be subjected to the review of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
“Every fare increase has an economic impact and that is what has to be studied carefully by other government agencies such as the NEDA in order to come up with a fare increase that is justifiable and will not create a huge economic burden,” said Guadiz.
In mid-2023, transport groups filed a petition for fare increase, citing the series of oil price hikes that time.
In October of the same year, the LTFRB approved a P1 provisional increase that covered both the traditional jeepney and the modern jeepneys.
The decision made the minimum fare for traditional jeepney P13 and P15 for modern jeepneys, which are currently the minimum fares for the two public utility jeepneys.
The provisional increase was approved as the LTFRB was then—and still—deliberating on the jeepney fare hike petitions.
Some groups are seeking a P4 increase in minimum fare while others seek P5. Also transport groups are seeking P1 for every succeeding kilometer.