By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on late Thursday (04 Jan 2024) afternoon brushed off apprehension of an impending fare hike due to the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.
IBON Foundation Executive Director Sonny Africa earlier said fares could hit P45 to P50 in a few years, as transport corporations and cooperatives would need to make enough money to pay off loans for modern jeepney units and other expenses under the government’s PUV Modernization Program.
“Una po sa lahat, wala pong taas-pasahe na mangyayari na hindi po dumadaan sa proseso ng LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board),” Transportation Undersecretary Timothy Batan clarified.
Aside from the IBON Foundation, a commuters’ group on Wednesday (January 3), also earned a possible P50 minimum fare following the implementation of the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP).
The minimum jeepney fare is currently at P13.
“Meron tayong malaking cost ng modernization. Hindi lang ito yung unit, kasama rito yung garahe, fees sa paggagawa ng coop, pagha-hire ng mekaniko at marami pang iba,” PARA-Advocates for Inclusive Transport (AIT) Convenor Edrich Samonte said.
But the DOTr junked all those fears and speculations.
“At ito pong pag-implementa ng ating consolidation deadline ay hindi po inaasahan na magkakaroon ng kaakibat na taas-pasahe ngayon pong panahon na ito,” Batan maintained.
(El Amigo/MNM)