LTFRB to invite DEPDev, other concerned agencies in next fare hike hearing

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will invite representatives from various concerned agencies in the next hearing on the fare hike petitions filed by several transport groups.

LTFRB chairperson Vigor Mendoza II said that representatives from the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Department of Energy (DOE) will be invited soon.

“We all heard the concerns and arguments raised by the transport groups on their fare hike petitions. They are all valid and legitimate and our task now is to validate the data they presented in terms of operational costs vis-à-vis their daily income and that of the drivers,” he said.

“But we also need to hear what the DEPDev and other agencies concerned have to say because we are all aware that any fare adjustment of any amount will have effects on the economy and the public’s purchasing power,” Mendoza added.

Vigor said they are expecting the DEPDev to assess the impact of transport groups' proposed fare adjustments.

Additionally, DOLE will outline the rights and proper compensation for public utility vehicle drivers, while the DOE addresses rising fuel costs and their effect on drivers.

The LTFRB started the hearing on the fare hike petitions on Monday amid the increases in fuel prices brought by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The petitions cover public utility jeepneys (PUJ), passenger buses, UV Express, taxis, and motorcycle taxis.

The fare hike petitions were filed by PISTON, Metro Comet Transport Service Cooperative, UV Express National Alliance of the Philippines, United Transportation Coalition of the Philippines, and Manibela.

Manibela sought for a P2 increase while PISTON is seeking for a P10 fare hike.

The current minimum jeepney fare is P13.

Manibela also announced on Monday that it will hold another transport strike on August 10 to 12 amid the oil price hike. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA News