PUV fare discount to take effect in Metro Manila in April

The proposed fare discount for public utility vehicles (PUVs) has been approved and is set to take effect in Metro Manila next month, Joseph Morong reported on “24 Oras” on Wednesday.

Upon its implementation, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said fares in traditional jeepneys will revert to P9 — the same as the fare before the pandemic hit and before the fare hike was implemented.

Transport fees for modernized jeepneys will be at P11 while bus fares will be reduced by P3 to P4.

UV Express rates, however, are still being studied.

The reduced rates will be in effect for six months and will be imposed first in Metro Manila before its nearby provinces.

“If you are a senior citizen or if you are a student, mayroon din additional discount 'yun. (There’s an additional discount.) In effect, dalawang discounts sa mga special group (There will be two discounts for special groups.) ,” said LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III.

However, these discounted fares will be temporary and will be stopped when the P2 billion fund for the service contracting program of the LTFRB this year has been consumed.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Tuesday recommended "fare discounts" to commuters riding PUVs in place of free rides in the EDSA Bus Carousel.

Guadiz said the LTFRB hopes an additional P2.1 billion worth of funds will be allocated to the agency for the service contracting.

PUV Modernization

Meanwhile, the LTFRB chief told jeepney drivers not to worry about the government’s PUV modernization program (PUVMP) as it is a “very far thing from now”.

“Ang sabi ni Secretary kahapon, kapag roadworthy ‘yan — at iyon din ang sabi ng ating Pangulo — then let them operate those jeepneys,” said Guadiz. “‘Yung pagpalit po ng jeepney will be a very far thing from now”.

(Secretary Jaime Bautista said yesterday — and it was the President’s words too — that if a jeepney is road-worthy, then they will be allowed to operate. The phase out will be a  very far thing from now.)

However, he reminded them they still need to form or join cooperatives for the franchise consolidation on or before the December 31 deadline.

The administration will slowly implement the PUVMP, starting from Metro Manila, Southern Tagalog, and Central Luzon.

The LTFRB will likewise review the program’s guidelines and consult stakeholders on it. They will also conduct seminars on forming cooperatives and obtaining bank loans.

“Naibsan ‘yung pangamba namin ngayon dahil yung panawagan na rebyuhin, susundin na ng LTFRB…Maipaparating na namin yung hirap ng PUVMP,” Transport group Manibela President Mar Valbuena said.

(Our worries were eased because our call for a review has been heard by the LTFRB. We can now relay our concerns in complying with the PUVMP.) —Sundy Locus/ VAL, GMA Integrated News