Cebu bus operators agree to P8.50 minimum fare

The Cebu provincial bus operators have agreed to a P8.50 minimum fare and further agreed to impose a fine of P1,000 on members who would violate the agreement.

The agreement was arrived at in yesterday’s meeting with the Cebu Provincial Bus Operators Association the Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board, and the Land Transportation Office.

Aside from the P8.50 minimum fare, the operators also agreed to an additional P1.20 for every succeeding kilometer. The rates will be implemented starting today. 

The rates approved by the group are still lower than what was approved by LTFRB - P9 for the first five kilometers and P1.40 for every succeeding kilometer. 

CPBOA president Nicolas Villahermosa said he was glad that Ceres Bus Company was represented in yesterday’s meeting through its operations manager Clemente Villarin and that the company agreed to the rates.

Villarin earlier said Ceres will not join CPBOA until all those who will initiate cut-throat competition will be punished. He said Ceres would only cooperate with the organization if there is serious compliance of any agreement.

New LTO-7 chief Raul Aguilos said he will ask LTFRB to deploy enforcers to help monitor compliance of the agreement, particularly on Ceres.

Aguilos said he would also ask LTFRB for an inventory of Ceres’ franchising. Presently, Ceres reportedly has 159 units running all over Cebu province but some of these buses allegedly do not have any franchise at all.

LTFRB said a meeting will be conducted today to iron out what was discussed yesterday. – Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot/JMO