COMMUTERS may face a one-peso increase in jeepney fares as early as next week.
This potential fare hike is a direct response to the recent significant increases in oil prices, a consequence of the ongoing geopolitical tension between Israel and Iran.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has indicated a strong likelihood of approving a petition filed by jeepney drivers and operators seeking the fare adjustment.
LTFRB Chairman Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III stated that the proposed increase would be a flat rate of one peso across the board, rejecting a per-kilometer increase due to concerns about the added burden on consumers.
He emphasized, “We may grant the P1 fare hike across the board, but that’s all. We cannot grant the kilometer increase. Just the flat rate. It’s a burden too heavy for consumers.”
The implementation of the provisional fare increase, however, is contingent upon the price of Dubai crude oil remaining at or above $80 per barrel.
The LTFRB is also considering a fare hike for provincial buses, although the specific calculations for this adjustment are still pending.
While the agency has yet to finalize the details, the possibility of a graduated fare increase based on distance traveled is under consideration. The potential fare adjustments highlight the significant impact of global events on the daily lives of Filipino commuters.
