Only over 1,000 PUJs can collect new fare

The new minimum fares would take effect today, but only over a thousand public utility jeepneys can collect the amount as these are the only ones with the official matrix from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

There are about 11,000 PUJs in the region.

Drivers need to buy the official fare matrix from the LTFRB for P510.

The new minimum fare is P8 for the first five kilometers.  This was granted by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) last week during a meeting at Malacañang.

The LTFRB started releasing matrices yesterday afternoon.

LTFRB-7 Director Romulo Bernardes said, so far the releasing of matrixes has been smooth due to the cooperation of the drivers and operators.

The proposed installment basis for the matrices hasn’t been implemented yet since the regional office of the LTFRB wants to make sure that there won’t be any legal kinks to this proposal.

LTFRB Information Officer Eugenio Ibo Jr. said they are not yet implementing the installment basis because they have yet to see get guidelines from Manila.

LTFRB Regional Director also said that they are also seeking the advice of the Commission on Audit to make sure that there won’t be any problems.

Stickers for taxis, which would allow its drivers to implement the P10 add-on to the fare that would register on their meters effective July 24, are already being processed by the central office in Manila.

Meanwhile the proposed assistance for drivers by the Government is still under study at the NEDA.

However, Bernardes said, in principle, the assistance for the modernization of PUJ units wherein drivers may opt to convert their engines to total LPG-generated unit or into high breed engines generating with 70 % gasoline and 30% LPG, is already approved.

They are still waiting for the implementing rules and regulations for loan assistance, payable anytime without interest, from the office of the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Operators said they would go for the conversion of their units provided that there would be assistance from the government. —Jessica Ann R. Pareja/NLQ