LTFRB junks petition to block jeepney, bus fare hikes

MANILA, Philippines — The bus and jeepney fare hikes will still push through next month after the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board denied an appeal to halt it.

In an order on Tuesday, the LTFRB junked the motion for reconsideration to stop the impending fare hike filed by commuter Arlis Acao and Rodolfo Javellana, Jr. of the United Filipino Consumers and Commuters.

“The instant motion failed to present new issues for the board to reconsider its earlier findings,” LTFRB said.

With the decision, the fare hike for buses and jeepneys will take effect next month.

LTFRB earlier approved the petition of transport groups to increase the minimum fare for jeepneys in the National Capital Region, central Luzon and southern Luzon to P10.

It also approved a provisional P1 fare increase for city and provincial commuter buses. This means the first five kilometers for ordinary and air-conditioned buses will now cost P11 and P13 respectively from the previous P10 and 12.

The board earlier cited the rise in oil prices and the increase in the prices of commodities as the reasons for the fare hike. — Gaea Katreena Cabico