DOTr: No jeepney fare hike for now amid big-time rollback

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said fare increases for traditional and modern jeepneys would not implemented following this week's big-time price rollback in petroleum prices, particularly the nearly P3-per-liter reduction in diesel.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB on Saturday, acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said, "Ngayon, walang fare increase (For now, there will be no fare increase)."

Lopez, however, clarified that the DOTr and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (DOTr) did not outrightly dismiss pending petitions seeking a P1- to P2-hike from the current P13 minimum fare for traditional jeepneys and P15 minimum fare for modern units.

"Pinagpapaliban po namin ang pag-apruba ng fare hike petition ng ating mga kasamahan sa transport groups," he said.

(Approval of the fare hike petitions of our transport groups has been deferred.)

The acting DOTr chief explained that it was not the appropriate time for a fare increase because of the series of calamities that hit the country.

The Department of Energy - Oil Industry Management Bureau recently said diesel prices were expected decline next week by about P0.45 per liter.

Lopez said the DOTr and LTFRB would intensify their anti-colorum campaign in order to support the livelihoods of legitimate drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs).

He said 30% of the daily potential income of legitimate PUV drivers and operators have been taken away by colorum or unregistered PUV operators. — VDV, GMA Integrated News