THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) has issued the fare structure for the modernized public utility jeepneys (PUJs), setting a P10 charge for the first four kilometers and P2 for every kilometer thereafter.
The fares, which apply to the air-conditioned, upgraded jeepneys, were released after a cooperative deployed its first units on a route serving the reclamation area in Pasay City from the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) complex to the Senate.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), which released the order to reporters, said fare adjustments require LTFRB board approval as it is the implementing agency for the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP).
A discount of 20% is available to students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
The DoTr on Monday rolled out 15 modernized PUJs operated by the Senate Employees Transport Service Cooperative (SETSCO).
The Senate loop served by the new units includes the CCP, the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay, and the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).
The PUVMP, apart from modernizing the jeepney fleet, also aims to decongest roads through route rationalization.
Jeepney drivers and operators have three years to upgrade units aged 15 years and above. The government is offering loans through the Landbank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines for the project. — Denise A. Valdez
