LTFRB also approves Php1 bus fare hike

(Eagle News) — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved the Php1 fare hike for provincial and city buses which will take effect in November.

The announcement came a day after the LTFRB approved the PhP10 minimum jeepney fare that will be implemented next month.

On Thursday, October 18, the LTFRB issued the order that the fare for ordinary buses will increase from Php 10.00 to Php 11.00, and for the air-conditioned buses from Php 12.00 to Php 13.00, for the first five kilometers here in Metro Manila.

The rate for each succeeding kilometer will remain at PHP1.85 for ordinary buses, and PHP 2.20 for air-conditioned buses.

“Ngayong umaga na-i-release ‘yung order granting provisional increase of P1 for the first five kilometers, tapos 15 centavos for every succeeding kilometer after the first 5 kilometers,” LTFRB Martin Delgra III said in a radio interview.

For the provincial buses, the fare for the ordinary buses remains at Php 9 for the first five kilometers, while for every succeeding kilometer the rate was increased to P1.55 from the current P1.40.

An increase of 15 centavos for every kilometer for the following air-conditioned buses will also be implemented.

The increase for the various types of air-conditioned buses will be as follows:
• Regular aircon bus — PHP1.60/km to PHP1.75/km
• Deluxe aircon bus — PHP1.70/km to PHP1.85/km
• Super deluxe aircon bus — PHP1.80/km to PHP1.95/km
• Luxury aircon bus — PHP2.25/km to PHP2.40/km

“All PUB operators shall post a fare matrix duly issued by the Board inside their public utility bus that would be continuously seen by the riding public. Otherwise, PUB operators shall not be allowed to collect/charge the fare adjustment as provided herein,” the LTFRB decision read.

“All PUB operators cannot charge/impose the approved fare adjustment, unless and until increase of fare rate and fare matrix fees are properly paid, and issued,” it added.

The increase, according to the LTFRB was due to the devaluation of the Philippine currency and the increase of oil prices in the world market.

“The Board is not insensitive to the current economic situation of the country brought about by an escalating inflation rate, devaluation of the Philippine currency and continued increase of oil prices in the world market,” the LTFRB said in its decision signed by Chairman Delgra and Board Members Ronaldo Corpus and Aileen Lizada.

The new fare increase will take effect 15 days after the publication of the memorandum in newspapers of general and/or local circulation.

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