THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) today announced that the minimum fare for jeepneys remain at P9 until such time that the agency makes a final decision on the petition for a fare hike.
The agency likewise warned drivers that there will be corresponding penalties for those who will charge more than the minimum fare.
LTFRB Executive Director Tina Cassion emphasized that the P9 minimum fare for jeepneys will remain until a final decision is made by the agency on the petitions for a fare hike.
“The LTFRB reminds drivers and operators not to charge more than the minimum fare because this will mean an offense of overcharging. Overcharging is considered as a breach of franchise condition which has a corresponding penalty,” reminds Cassion.
Cassion said a first offense means a fine of P5,000 and P10,000 for the second offense, aside from impounding the jeepney. For the third offense, it will mean a P15,000 fine and suspension or cancellation of the franchise.
“For the commuters, they can complain through our LTFRB hotline 1342,” Cassion encourages the public.
The LTFRB heard this morning the petition of several transport groups to increase the minimum fare for Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJ) services in the National Capital Region (NCR), Region 3 and Region 4 amid the continuous price increases of petroleum products.
Several transport groups have presented before the LTFRB their various petitions for fare increase, one of which is a P5-increase on the minimum fare to make it a total of P14 or a 55-percent increase, and a provisional increase of P1 or about 11 percent.
LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III said that the petition for provisional adjustment is already submitted for resolution.