As expected by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), several transport groups are now demanding a fare increase after a left and right fuel price hike.

According to GMA News, the Liga ng Transpotasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP) has called for a Php 2 hike in the minimum jeepney fares, but noted that it is still up to the LTFRB to come up with a win-win situation for all stakeholders.

Meanwhile, bus operators are also seeking an increase in bus fares: by P4.00 for ordinary trips and by P7.00 for air-conditioned trips.

Last week, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it is inclined to approve a pending fare hike petition because it understands the frustration of jeepney drivers and operators amid another hefty oil price increase.

“They are due talaga na for increase. Kasi the last time we had the fare rate increase ang level pa lang ng diesel noon ay ?44 per liter,” LTFRB chairperson Cheloy Garafil said on Monday. “Just the question of kung magkano ang maibibigay namin na hindi naman siya magkakaroon ng impact sa inflation at siyempre ‘yung effect niyan sa ating commuters.”

Liberty Luna, president of transport group Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO), said the approval would be a big help to the public utility vehicles sector bearing the brunt of the pandemic and increased fuel prices.