LTFB CLaims P9 Fare to Traditional Jeepneys will Be Back As Soon As Possible
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) claimed that the P9 minimum fare for traditional jeepneys will be back as soon as possible.
According to the LTFRB, the minimum charge for conventional jeepneys would be reinstated as soon as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) approves its implementation via the Service Contracting Program. Prior to the Covid-19 epidemic, the P9 minimum charge for conventional jeepneys was hiked to P12 following a series of oil price increases last year.
The LTFRB’s chairwoman, Teofilo Guadiz III, stated that the proposed reinstatement to the pre-pandemic P9 minimum charge for traditional jeepneys is funded by P1.2 billion from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). The P1.2 billion sum was scheduled to be used to extend free rides for passenger buses on the EDSA route, which expired in December.
However, it was later decided to use other public vehicles, mainly jeepneys, to accommodate a large number of commuters. Guadiz stated that they will initiate the SCP once the funds have been downloaded from the LTFRB.
“We also have to take the cue from the Office of the Secretary, how they intend to do it. Sa tingin ko, ang gagawin nila ay gagamitin nila ang P1.2 bilyon para masakop ang maraming serbisyo sa transportasyon sa buong bansa,”he added.
Guadiz stated that they hope that more funds would be granted to prolong its implementation, especially with the country’s inflation rate continuing to rise. He mentioned that the budget will barely last around a half-year, based on the article in Manila Bulletin.
“I believe the budget may last only for about 6 months, half a year. So as early as now, I am requesting the DOTr to come up with additional funding so that this program would be extended until the end of this year,” the official added.
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