DOTr proposes fare reduction for PUVs nationwide

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has proposed a fare reduction for public utility vehicles nationwide.

In a report aired last night over GMA News, the DOTr said it issued a memorandum to the Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) calling for lower fares for traditional and modern jeepneys, buses and UV Express.

The report said a P3 rollback is being pushed for traditional jeepney fare to P9 from P12, and to P11 from P14 for modern jeepneys. Fare cut of P3 to P4 is being considered for buses.

The memo does not give fare cut figures for UV Express. Earlier, the LTFRB said that since the Libreng Sakay program along Edsa would no longer be revived this year, discounted fares would be given to commuters instead.

The report added that the lower fares would be temporary, until the P2.16 billion for the service contracting program of the LTFRB for this year runs out.

DOTr Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor confirmed the GMA report but said the memo is an internal document and not for dissemination to media.