LTFRB oks another P.50 increase in fare

The demand of the transport groups in Cebu for another P.50 provisional increase in the minimum fare has been approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board while their petition for another P2.50 increase is still pending.

LTFRB-7 director Romulo Bernardes said drivers can hope for the formal approval of their request for the additional 50-centavo increase since it was already verbally ratified by their central office in Manila.

He however said they are just waiting for the formal approval to implement the increase, which will raise the minimum fare in Cebu to P7.00.

The recommendation for the approval of the provisional increases was sent last Friday to Manila immediately after the public hearing.

The first round was granted last May 21, making the minimum fare for the first five kilometers to P6.50.

Bernardes said they are also waiting for the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for loan assistance from the office of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to convert public utility jeepneys’ fuel consumption from gasoline to diesel.

The loan, which will be released to every operator or driver, will be paid without interest. — Ferliza C. Contratista and Jessica Ann Pareja/LPM