THERE will be no fare increase for traditional and modern jeepneys following this week’s major rollback in diesel prices, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced on Friday.
Several transport groups had sought a PHP1 to PHP2 hike from the current minimum fare—PHP13 for traditional jeepneys and PHP15 for modern units—but the Department of Transportation said the timing is not appropriate.
Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez stressed that a fare hike would have wide-ranging economic repercussions.
“Malaki ang magiging epekto ng taas-pasahe sa ekonomiya, lalo na’t bumabangon pa lang ang ilang probinsyang nasalanta ng lindol at bagyo,” Lopez said.
A study by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development indicated that increasing the base fare by PHP1 to PHP2 would push inflation higher over the next two years. Lopez added that higher fares would not only burden commuters but also raise the cost of basic goods.
LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza also noted that five regions—including three of the country’s most densely populated areas—oppose any fare hike, strengthening the agency’s position to maintain current rates for now.
