Jeepney commuters will pay at least 50 centavos more for fare beginning June 14.
The fare increase for PUJs (public utility jeepneys) was announced on Friday by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
The minimum 50 centavos will be added to the prevailing P8 for the first four kilometers. Ten centavos will be added for every succeeding kilometer.
The board said it based the increase on an analysis by the National Economic Development Authority (Neda).
LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez said in a statement shareholders were also consulted in determining the fare hike.
“We considered not only the welfare of the PUJ drivers but of the general public, especially the low and middle income classes who will be directly affected the most,” Ginez added.
Adopting a formula in computing the fare increase using a cost recovery method and combining it with Neda’s socioeconomic analysis, the LTFRB found factual basis for the increase.
As of early this month, the Department of Energy (DOE) monitored the average diesel pump price based on the lowest retail prices at P43.44 per liter, an increase of P5.69 per liter from 2011 to 2014.
Based on the cost recovery method of computation, a jeepney’s fuel consumption is 6 kph per liter, at an average of 10 passengers per trip.
Under the new fare matrix, children less than 1 meter in height will not be charged a fare, and those from 1 to 1.30 meters in height will pay half fare.
Jeepney operators will provide an adequate place in their vehicles to measure the height of children.
Senior citizens, students and persons with disabilities (PWD) are entitled to a 20-percent discount.
Passenger jeepneys in the National Capital Region (Metro Manila), Regions 3 and 4 must conspicuously display the fare matrix.
“We strongly urge the commuting public to report drivers who fail to conspicuously display the new fare matrix, or who overcharge,” Ginez said.
He added that complaints and reports can be posted in LTFRB’s Facebook page ‘LTFRB Citizen Enforcer’ or they can tweet the chairman for comments at “@LTFRB_CHAIRMAN.”