Transport groups file petition to increase minimum fare to P12

Five transport groups on Friday filed a petition before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) seeking to increase the minimum jeepney fare to P12 from P9.

The minimum fare covers the first four kilometers of the ride.

According to a report by Super Radyo dzBB reporter Allan Gatus on Balitanghali, the six-page petition is also asking for a hike in the fare per succeeding kilometer.  The present rate is P1.40 per kilometer.

The petition argued that current diesel prices at P40 to P45 per liter may increase due to tensions in the Middle East and the excise tax on fuel.

It also noted the rising cost of maintenance parts of jeepneys such as engine oil, clutch, lining, hydro pack, stirring pump, tires and batteries.

The Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations and Pasang Masda with three other groups also asked the LTFRB to bring back the P10 minimum fare while the petition is on-going.

In December 2018, LTFRB reduced fares to P9 due to the declining prices of petroleum products.

The report said that the groups used data from the Department of Energy as one of the basis for their petition. —Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News