LTFRB gives PUV drivers until Sept. 2023 to pay for new fare matrix

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory has delayed the collection of the P520 fee being charged on drivers who apply for a copy of the new fare matrix.

In its Board Resolution No. 173, the board gave two options to drivers in settling the matrix fee.  One is an outright payment of the whole amount during the application. 

The other option is to settle the amount not later than September 30, 2023.

The resolution also waives the P40 "franchise verification fee" for the processing of the matrix.

The LTFRB noted that only 36 percent of the public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers  have applied for the new matrix.

To be displayed on the PUVs for the public to see, the matrix will allow the drivers to collect the new fare rates following the grant of their petition for fare increase due to high oil prices.

"Ang inilabas na resolusyon ay kasunod ng mababang bilang ng mga nag-a-apply ng Fare Matrix/Guide," LTFRB said.

"Ito ay isa sa mga hakbang ng ahensya upang patuloy na umagapay sa sektor ng transportasyon habang ito ay bumabangon muli," it added.

The board urged drivers to apply for the new matrix, warning that without it, it would be illegal to collect the fare hike.

"Pinapaalalahanan ng ahensya ang mga PUV operator at driver na hindi sila makakasingil ng mas mataas na pamasahe kung wala silang Fare Matrix/Guide na galing mismo sa LTFRB na nakapaskil sa loob ng kanilang sasakyan at makikita ng mga sakay nilang pasahero," it said.

"Ang sinumang mahuhuling lalabag sa polisiya ay papatawan ng karampatang parusa base sa Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01 at sa mga kundisyong nakapaloob sa kanilang Certificate of Public Convenience," it added.—LDF, GMA News