LTFRB Chairman Ma. Elena Bautista yesterday announced the issuance of new jeepney fare matrixes even as 400 jeepney operators staged a small picket in front of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) protesting the slow issuance of the matrix, a list of new increased fares and distances covered.
For jeepney passengers, the minimum fare is P5.50.
The operators, partly from the Philippine Confederation of Drivers and Operators—Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (PCDO-ACTO), are protesting the slow issuance of the new fare matrix.
LTFRB Chairman Ma. Elena Bautista set the deadline for the new fare matrix for today. The fare increase for both jeepney and non-airconditioned buses takes effect today.
At the same time, she announced the extension of the issuance of fare matrixes to this weekend.
he LTFRB office in Quezon City will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and tomorrow to accommodate last-minute registrants.
She said that part of the reason the LTFRB is having a hard time issuing the certificates is the big number of last-minute registrants.
Bautista added that issuing a fare matrix also requires certification of the particular operator, including checking that the operator is legitimate.
PCDO-ACTO head Efren de Luna said his group will ask for a two-week moratorium.
Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) president Mar Garvida said the LTFRB is only giving them certificates stating that they have paid the R500 fee for the fare matrix.
However, he said the certificates do not guarantee the safety of drivers since, he warned that drivers are still subject to arrest by the police.
