The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved new fare adjustments for provincial buses effective March 15, even as the agency prepares to announce fare hikes for jeepneys and buses this week amid rising global oil prices.
In an updated fare guide, luxury provincial buses will have an additional P0.45 per kilometer, while ordinary provincial buses will have a P1.00 increase in base fare plus P0.30 for every succeeding kilometer.
“The approved adjustments have already been reflected and incorporated in the newly issued fare guide to ensure uniform implementation across all provincial bus operators and routes,” the agency said.
The LTFRB clarified that the fare adjustments were approved through a provisional order issued on March 13.
“The LTFRB advises all provincial bus operators to strictly follow the updated Fare Guide and ensure that the approved fares are properly posted inside their units for the guidance of the riding public,” it said.
“Passengers are likewise encouraged to verify the correct fares based on the official Fare Guide and report any violations or overcharging incidents to the LTFRB through its official communication channels,” the agency added.
Earlier, LTFRB chairperson Vigor Mendoza said the agency will announce on Tuesday new fare adjustments for jeepneys and buses as the government grapples with the impact of rising global oil prices.
In a television interview, Mendoza said the fare increase had already been decided but the exact amount still needed to be justified to Giovanni Lopez, secretary of the Department of Transportation, which oversees the LTFRB.
“The fare increase is already certain. Yung amount, ayan ang kailangan pa namin i-justify kay DOTR Secretary Giovanni Lopez (on Monday),” Mendoza said.
Transport group Piston has called for a provisional fare increase of P2 starting March 16 to raise the minimum fare to P15, citing a jump of P17 to P24 per liter in pump prices. The group said it will announce plans for protest actions.
Mendoza said the LTFRB must ensure the adjustment would not overly burden commuters or worsen inflation.
“We cannot impose fares that are too high because it would be too difficult for passengers. We also coordinate with other government agencies on the impact on inflation. We do not want prices of goods to rise too much because of our decision,” he said.
The LTFRB said the planned adjustment will apply to transport sectors that earlier filed petitions for fare increases, including jeepneys and buses.
However, fare petitions from taxis and UV Express units will not be included in Tuesday’s announcement because they still have to undergo hearings and a nationwide consultation process.
