LTFRB 7 official asks commuters to prepare exact amount as fare rate is hiked
THE new minimum fare for public utility jeepneys in Cebu starting today will be P6.50.However, not all jeepney drivers are expected to collect the new rate in an effort to compel government to heed their demand for a P1.50 increase, instead of the provisional P.50 fare hike.
Anticipating confusion from both the drivers and the riding public, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 Director Romulo Bernardes will be holding a press conference today, “to guide everyone on how to go about this (implementation of provisional fare increase).”
In an interview over radio dyLA yesterday, Bernardes also appealed to both drivers and passengers to make sure they are prepared with loose change.
“Mag-andam lang pud unta sila kay this is public service anyway,” Bernardes said, adding that students and senior citizens can still avail themselves of discounts.
Bernardes, who was in Bohol yesterday when President Arroyo held her Cabinet meeting, also said that drivers can collect the new fare rate even without a notice or certification to be issued by the LTFRB 7.
The notice, he added, will be given to the drivers and operators for free.
The decision to implement the provisional fare hike was agreed barely a day after Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) Secretary Leandro Mendoza announced that collection of the new fare rate had to be deferred.
Bernardes said the implementation of the provisional fare hike was approved after an executive session during the Cabinet meeting with President Arroyo in Panglao, Bohol.
The petition for a P1.50 increase, meanwhile, is still under study, Bernardes added. (RCT) source