LTFRB vows no fare increase as all public transport resume operations

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday reiterated that there should be no fare increase with the resumption of operation of all modes of public transportation.

In a public briefing, LTFRB chair Martin Delgra III noted that the ‘principal stakeholders’ in public transport are the commuters.

“Milyon-milyon sila. Matagal na silang hindi nakapagbalik trabaho. Mahirap naman na pagbalik trabaho nila at sasakay ng public transport, dagdag pasanin ‘yung dagdag pamasahe…” Delgra said.

“We have been saying that we will not increase any fare of whatever mode of transportation, whether it be bus, UV Express, PUJ, even taxi, and TNVS,” he added.

On Monday, UV Express resumed its operation in Metro Manila.

This is part of the gradual and calibrated resumption of public transport, which was suspended due to the threat of the COVID-19.

Earlier, the LTFRB announced the government will resume the operation of public transport in two phases.

Under Phase 1, only trains, augmentation buses, taxis, transport network vehicle services, shuttle services, point-to-point buses, and bicycles were allowed on a limited capacity.

The operation of tricycles under Phase 1 is subject to the approval of local government units.

Under Phase 2, public utility buses, modern public utility vehicles or jeepneys, and UV Express will be allowed to operate on a limited capacity.

Currently, only the operation of traditional jeepneys has not resumed yet. According to LTFRB, the resumption of their operation will start on either Thursday or Friday.—AOL, GMA News