CEBU, Philippines - Governor Gwendolyn Garcia will meet with bus operators in the province tomorrow to discuss the bus fare hike announced by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
LTFRB approved the hike matrix in September 2008 yet, but members of the Cebu Provincial Bus Operators Association (CPBOA) had suspended its implementation through Garcia’s intervention.
However, with recent increases in oil prices, Garcia said it might be high time that the riding public understand an increase. Still, the governor said her role is to look for options that are beneficial to all.
Representatives of LTFRB are also invited to the meeting.
Two years ago, Garcia initiated the signing of the memorandum of agreement with CPBOA and LTFRB in imposing a lower rate for all member bus operators than what was approved.
LTFRB 7 Regional Director Ahmed Cuizon said earlier the operators who already secured the fare matrix in 2008 can start collecting the new fare rates immediately, without any need to file another petition for a fare hike.
Cuizon is requesting the operators to give the passengers a few days’ notice before fare increase is imposed so they won’t be taken by surprise.
In a meeting with Cuizon and representatives of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7, members of the CPBOA and Cebu South Mini Bus Operators’ Association (CSMBOA) agreed it is high time to impose the increased fare rates.
The current fare rates were implemented when diesel was sold for only P38 per liter in 2008. Diesel now costs P49.38 per liter.
During the meeting, Cuizon advised the operators to inform the governor of their plans before they implement it. — (FREEMAN)