P17 minimum jeepney fare unlikely – LTFRB

MANILA, Philippines — While hinting at possible increases in minimum fares for public utility vehicles, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) already dismissed the possibility of granting a proposed P17 minimum fare for jeepneys.

“This much I can say – we could not grant a P17 minimum fare,” LTFRB chairman Vigor Mendoza II said over dzBB yesterday.

Mendoza said there is not enough data to support a P17 minimum fare for jeepneys nationwide.

He hinted though that fare hikes are likely to be granted, although the amount would differ in the regions.

Mendoza said the LTFRB has started collecting reports from the public consultations done by its regional offices on the issue of raising the fares in public transportation, including buses, taxis, transport network vehicle services or TNVS, airport taxis and point-to-point bus services.

Transport groups have asked for an increase in minimum fares, saying fuel prices as well as maintenance and operating costs have gone up.