The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has officially addressed and dismissed rumors suggesting an imminent fare hike for jeepneys, despite the ongoing implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III assured the public that current fares would remain unchanged, countering claims from various transport groups advocating for increased rates due to new financial pressures.
Stability Amidst Modernization
The LTFRB’s decision comes in the wake of concerns raised by the transport group PISTON, which speculated that jeepney drivers might seek a fare increase up to P25 to offset the costs associated with acquiring modern jeepney units. However, Guadiz clarified that any decision to adjust fares would only be considered after a thorough evaluation of several economic factors, including inflation and fuel costs.
No Basis for Fare Increase
“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,” Guadiz emphasized. This statement reaffirms the LTFRB’s commitment to maintaining affordability in public transportation, especially during a period of significant transition within the sector.
PUV Modernization Program Details
Initiated in 2017, the PUVMP aims to overhaul the country’s public transport system by phasing out older jeepneys in favor of more environmentally friendly and roadworthy vehicles. This includes the adoption of units with at least Euro 4-compliant engines, which significantly reduce pollution compared to their predecessors. The program also mandates the consolidation of jeepney operators into cooperatives, a move designed to streamline operations and improve service delivery.
Impact of Consolidation
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has been active in notifying operators and drivers about the revocation of their franchises if they fail to consolidate by the given deadlines. This tough stance underscores the government’s determination to enforce modernization across the transport sector, despite the challenges and resistance from certain quarters.
Moving Forward
As the PUVMP progresses, the LTFRB and DOTr continue to urge unconsolidated operators and drivers to comply with the new regulations, warning against the continuation of operations without a valid franchise. This regulatory push is part of broader efforts to enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of public transportation in the Philippines.
This clarification from the LTFRB provides much-needed assurance to commuters who rely on jeepneys for daily transport, highlighting the government’s intent to balance modernization with economic considerations for the public’s benefit.