Transport regulators are considering granting a one-time, regular fare increase for jeepneys instead of approving the surge fee proposal submitted by transport groups.
The proposed surge fee of P1 in addition to the base fare during rush hours may be difficult to implement as it is not easy to determine the exact time passengers will need to ride and alight.
In contrast, a one-time fare increase is a more logical possibility.
The surge fee idea was to add ₱1 on top of the base fare during busy hours, like from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Last year, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) increased the fare by ₱1, making it ₱12 for traditional jeepneys and ₱14 for modern ones.
Fuel prices went up this week, with diesel increasing by ₱4, gasoline by ₱0.50, and kerosene by ₱2.75.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will ask the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) if a fare increase is needed and by how much.
The LTFRB expects the nearly P3-billion fuel subsidy for public utility vehicle operators and drivers from the Department of Budget and Management to be released within two weeks to help alleviate the impact of fuel price increases.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 9, 2023
