P1.20 fare increase for buses in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Bus fare in Cebu will go higher in the next two weeks, but the increase will be slightly lower than what was allowed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in 2008.

LTFRB allowed P1.40 per succeeding kilometer, but the Cebu Provincial Bus Operators Association (CPBOA) agreed yesterday to impose only P1.20. This will be on top of the P6 minimum fare for the first five kilometers.

The increase did not push through three years ago when Governor Gwendolyn Garcia intervened. In 2009, Garcia initiated the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between CPBOA and LTFRB for a P1.20, but not all operators complied.

A MOA was actually signed on May 2006, which set an increase of P1 for every succeeding kilometer, but CPBOA President Richard Corominas said most operators also did not follow at that time with some imposing the increase only in the south and just P.50 in the north.

Another MOA is set to be signed on March 16, this time, including the Ceres Bus Lines. The bus line is said to be the subject of complaints for undercharging.

Anselmo Ambos of Ceres Bus Lines assured they will abide with the agreement. In fact, he said, they are already imposing gradual increases up P.75 for the past two weeks.

The new rate will take effect two weeks after the MOA is signed. However, senior citizens, differently-abled individuals and students are entitled to a 20 percent discount.

LTFRB-7 Director Ahmed Cuizon said operators who do not follow the agreement through undercharging may get their franchises cancelled.

Along with the MOA is the petition for provisional reduction of fare rate to be filed before LTFRB.

The prevailing reason to increase bus fare is the increase of oil prices in the world market and its domino effect to high cost of maintenance and spare parts.

Corominas assured that they will file a petition to reduce fare once oil prices also reduce. (FREEMAN)