After the taxi fare increase during the start of the year, another burden to regular PUV (public utility vehicles) commuters is about to take effect this month of February.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved the P8 jeepney fare in Manila which is P1 more than the current rate of P7. The provincial P1 jeepney fare increase was also approved by the Board. The said fare hikes will take effect on Wednesday, February 2, 2011.
Via Inquirer, Manuel Iway, an LTFRB board member, released the following statements:
“The provisional increase was granted because the board took judicial notice that the prices of goods have been going up, as well as the cost of maintaining jeepney operations, affecting the livelihood of operators.”, Iway said.
“While the interest of the public is still the main concern, we must also protect the rights of the jeepney operators, who are serving vital industries,” Iway added.
Pasang Masda and the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines were the people behind the request of the newly approved jeepney fare hike.