P1 provincial bus fare hike OKd
THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved the adjusted fare of up to P1 for provincial public utility buses (PUBs) effective March 14.
“The LTFRB remains committed to ensuring that public transport fares remain fair, transparent, and responsive to prevailing economic conditions while protecting the welfare of commuters and transport operators alike,” the regulator said.
Under the approved fare adjustments, the provisional increase for provincial PUB air-conditioned, deluxe, and super deluxe buses is set at 35 centavos per kilometer.
For provincial luxury buses, the approved provisional increase is 45 centavos per kilometer, while ordinary provincial buses will see a P1 increase on the base fare and 30 centavos per succeeding kilometer.
According to the approved fare guide dated March 13, posted on the regulator’s website on Sunday, the regular fare for the first five kilometers is P12.25 for air-conditioned buses, P13 for deluxe, P13.50 for super deluxe, and P16.75 for luxury buses.
The regular fare for ordinary provincial buses will be P12 for the first five-kilometer distance, data from LTFRB said.
Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez said last week that there will be a fare increase for public utility vehicles (PUVs), but did not give details, noting that the LTFRB is still reviewing the fare hike petitions.
Transport groups like Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide and Manibela are seeking P5 and P2 provisional fare increase, respectively, due to soaring fuel pump prices.
Just last week, the country had its largest single-week adjustment, as pump prices climbed as much as P38.50 per liter.
The Department of Transportation is also set to disburse P5,000 fuel subsidy to PUV drivers in Metro Manila starting on March 17. — Ashley Erika O. Jose
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