LTFRB fare hike position due with DoTr soon

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is preparing to submit to the Department of Transportation (DoTr) its recommendation on outstanding fare hike petitions.

“We will submit our recommendations to our bosses over the weekend. Right now, we are drafting the inputs based on the arguments during the public consultations made for this specific purpose, which is the fare in-crease,” LTFRB Chairman Vigor D. Mendoza said in a statement on Wednesday.

The LTFRB ordered all its regional directors to hold consultation on fares for jeepneys, buses, and taxis, Mr. Mendoza said, adding that it hopes to submit its final position to the Transportation department by Nov. 17.

According to the LTFRB, about five major transport groups have filed petitions involving up to a P5 increase in the minimum fare, covering the first four kilometers, and at least P1 for every succeeding kilometer. They cited the rising cost of fuel, maintenance and other operational items.

“Today’s public consultations were fruitful (and we hope to) come up with a solution that is acceptable to everybody,” he said. — Ashley Erika O. Jose