LTFRB removes franchise verification fee for PUJ operators

FILE: TIGIL PASADA. The Commonwealth Transport Service Cooperative joins the second day of “tigil pasada” in Quezon City on Tuesday (October 17, 2017). The Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) began a two-day nationwide transport strike Monday to oppose the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, which it claimed would burden thousands of jeepney drivers. (PNA photo by Oliver Marquez)

MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered the removal of the franchise verification fee for jeepney drivers and operators that will apply for a fare matrix.

Drivers and operators need to secure a fare matrix for them to impose the PHP10 minimum jeepney fare.

LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III said the imposition of the PHP40 franchise verification fee was not mandated under Department Order 2001-082 of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Under the order, the LTFRB charges PHP510 for new certificates of public convenience when the fare hike becomes permanent; PHP10 for legal research fee and PHP50 for the fare matrix’s administrative costs.

“The LTFRB is directed to offset the PHP40 verification fee paid for by fare matrix applicants for the date of November 6 to 7,” Delgra said in a statement Wednesday.

The initiative to remove the franchise verification fee comes after jeepney drivers and operators have complained that they need to pay a PHP 610 fee for the fare matrix.

The agency has warned that jeepney drivers found charging the PHP10 fare without the new matrix will be apprehended.

The LTFRB has approved last Oct. 18 a PHP2-increase in the minimum jeepney fare from PHP8 to PHP10 in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Southern Luzon, which took effect last November 2.

The petition for the jeepney fare hike was filed in September last year, citing higher fuel prices.