LTFRB: No jeepney fare hike amid PUV modernization program

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) denied claims of a possible fare hike soon amid the implementation of the public utility vehicles (PUV) modernization program. 

LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III stressed that the current jeepney fare will remain. 

"There is no basis to implement fare hikes for public utility vehicles (PUVs)... Several factors, such as inflation and cost of fuel, must be considered before the agency approves a new fare increase,” said Guadiz.

LTFRB made the statement after a local chapter of transport group PISTON earlier claimed that jeepney drivers could possibly demand a higher fare up to P25 due to the financial pressures of purchasing modern jeepney units.  

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) earlier said that operators and drivers would be notified that their franchises would be revoked “a week or two” after the April 30 consolidation deadline.

The DOTR urged unconsolidated operators and drivers not to persist in operating despite their lack of franchise.

Consolidation into cooperatives is part of the PUVMP.

Started in 2017, the PUVMP aims to replace jeepneys with vehicles that have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution. It also aims to replace units that are not deemed roadworthy by the Land Transportation Office's standards.

in compliance with the government's PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP). —Vince Angelo Ferreras/ VAL, GMA Integrated News