Provincial and city bus operators to ask the LTFRB for a fare hike

PROVINCIAL bus operators will seek an additional fare increase of P50 per 100 kilometers from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) amid the continued spike in the prices of petroleum products.

This comes amid a complaint by the Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippines (PBOAP) over the additional expenses bus operators incur such as the increase in the minimum wage of drivers and bus conductors.

Ito ‘yung tinatawag na perfect storm eh. Lahat na yata ng cost components, nagtaas. ‘Yung halaga lang ng diesel na pag-increase at saka ‘yung halaga nu’ng pagtaas ng sweldo ng tao,” according to Alex Yague, executive director of PBOAP.

Bus fare from Cubao, Quezon City going to Dau in Pampanga is currently at P180 but if the LTFRB will grant their petition for a fare increase, this will become P222, and an added P42 for the 84-kilometer trip.

Provincial bus drivers believe that an increase in bus fares will be a big help to their daily income.

However, commuters can’t help but cry foul over the huge fare hike.

“This is too big for us. It’s as if the increase in our wages will just go to them,” according to Teofilo Baroga, a commuter.

The transport group said that the last time their petition for a fare hike was approved was in 2018, and because of the continued increase in the prices of petroleum products, only 20 to 30 percent of their fleet will operate.

The group of provincial bus operators are expected to file their petition with the LTFRB this week.

Meanwhile, city bus operators in Metro Manila will likewise file a fare hike petition with the LTFRB.

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