(File Photo)
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is expected to submit its recommendation on pending fare adjustment petitions to the Department of Transportation by October, acting chairperson Greg Pua Jr. said Monday.
Pua said the timeline would allow the agency to assess the effect of the wage increase set to take effect on Sept. 25 before making a final recommendation.
He said the LTFRB would consider commuters’ ability to absorb higher fares, the impact on inflation, available government assistance, and the livelihood of transport workers.
The agency is also preparing to resume the Php 12-per-liter fuel discount for jeepney and UV Express operators after the Commission on Elections approved its request for an exemption from the election spending ban.
Pua said the LTFRB has asked the Office of the Executive Secretary to increase the fuel discount to Php 20 per liter and extend the benefit to cooperatives and corporations that buy diesel in bulk.
The board has also sought the inclusion of jeepneys and UV Express units using expressways in the toll-free privilege currently enjoyed by provincial buses.
Meanwhile, the LTFRB is stepping up operations against colorum or unauthorized public utility vehicles, which Pua said cut the income of legitimate operators by an estimated 30 to 40 percent.
Passengers who encounter overcharging may file complaints through the LTFRB’s Facebook complaint desk. The agency said operators found violating fare and franchise rules may be issued show-cause orders.
