- PUJs, TVNS follow provincial bus fare increases
THE LAND Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Davao Region on Tuesday announced a P1.00 fare increase for traditional jeepneys and a P2 hike for modern jeepneys in response to the rising fuel prices.
LTFRB chairperson Atty Vigor Mendoza said the fare hike comes amid the escalating tension in the Middle East, affecting oil prices worldwide. Mendoza said the fare increase will take effect starting Thursday, March 19.
During the press conference on Tuesday, Mendoza announced a permanent fare of P14 for traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs) from P12 to P14.
To note, in October 2023, LTFRB granted a P1 provisional fare increase, bringing the fare to P13, but with the announcement, the permanent fare will be P14 for the first kilometers.
For the succeeding kilometers, the rate is P2 per kilometer, a 20-centavo increase from the previous P1.80.
Mendoza said the fare hike is based on the P75-80 per liter fuel price, the minimum wage increases from 2022-2025, spare parts, and other maintenance costs.
For the modern PUJs, the agency approved a P2 increase for the first four kilometers; and 20 centavos per succeeding kilometer, bringing the new fare to P17 (first four kms) and P2.40 for succeeding kilometers.
Meanwhile, the agency approved a P20 increase for Transportation Network Vehicle Services (TNVS), such as a hatchback, sedan, AUV/SUV, and premium.
This brings the base fare rate of sedan from P45 to P65; AUV/SUV from P55 to P75; hatchback from P35 to P55; and premium from P145 to P165. The pick-up fare is P15 per kilometer.
The agency emphasized there is no additional charge for fractional or less than 1 km, and no increase in per-kilometer trip and per-minute travel time for TNVS.
While there is no hike for motorcycle taxis and regular taxis yet, the agency said the sector has already filed its respective petitions and is expected to have fare increases as well.
PISTON calls for P5 fare hike
Transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) said it will hold a nationwide transport strike on March 19, Thursday.
In a press conference on Monday, March 16, at Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City, Piston national president Mody Floranda said the protest action will be held simultaneously around teh country.
PISTON is set to file a petition for a P5 fare increase to help drivers recover lost income from rising fuel prices.
The group slammed the government over the P5,000 cash aid fuel subsidy for affected drivers and operators, as the said amount only covers a few days of fuel expenses, noting an expected oil hike reaching P120 this week.
“For P120/L of diesel, the driver will spend P3,600 a day for fuel only,” Floranda said, noting this brings the cost to P90,000 monthly.
PISTON demanded that oil companies must exhaust their cheaper fuel stocks and sell them first before raising their prices due to the recent international market changes. The group also called for the removal of the excise tax and value-added tax (VAT) on fuel and the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law.
