The Land Transportation and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday approved the PHP 10 minimum fare in public utility vehicles plying the roads of Metro Manila, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA starting Thursday, June 9.
In a decision, the LTFRB said its board approved a PHP 1 provisional fare hike for the first four kilometers. The provisional fare increase is exclusive to the four regions.
It added that all public utility jeepneys, either modernized or traditional units, operating within the said regions must display the "notice of provisional fare increase" inside their vehicles.
The fare hike comes following petitions by various transport organizations amid the continuous increase in oil prices.
The petitioners were 1-United Transport Koalisyon, Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila & Suburbs Drivers Association Nationwide o Pasang Masda, Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, and Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations.
According to LTFRB Executive Director Maria Kristina Cassion, the agency, which earlier denied the request, was prompted to respond to another round of oil price hikes implemented on Tuesday.
In grating the June increase, the LTFRB said that while the "Board recognizes the plight of the Filipino people every time an increase on price of commodities occur, including the cost of public transport, it cannot be insensitive to the clamor and plight of PUV operators and drivers who are responsible in ensuring a steady supply of public transport services."
