LTFRB to rule on plea for lower fares of buses, taxis, UV express before end of January

(Photo courtesy of www.ltfrb.gov.ph)

MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) expects to make a ruling on the petition to lower fares of buses, taxis and utility vehicles before the end of the month.

LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez said during the first hearing on the petition for fare reduction on Friday, that it was about time to consider the fare rollback since the prices of diesel and other petroleum products had also decreased.

The hearing was held a few weeks after Negros Oriental Rep. Manuel Iway filed the petition for the fare rollback last Dec 17.

Iway asked the Board to reduce the flag down fare for taxis from the present Php 40 to Php 30 and from the current Php 3.50 to Php P2.50 for every succeeding three hundred (300) meters, for taxi services nationwide.

He also asked for the reduction of bus fare from Php 10 to Php 8 for the first five kilometers and from Php 1.85 to Php 1.50 for every succeeding kilometer.

However, it was reported that he recently withdrew his petition to reduce bus fare, saying that he was set to refile petition to include air-conditioned and provincial buses.

Iway also requested for a reduction of airport taxi’s flagdown rate of Php 70 for the first 500 meters and Php 4 for every succeeding 300 meters.

The Board for its part said that it would also allow opposing parties to file their position papers prior to the hearing date. Both petitioners and opposing parties were urged to appear and submit their position papers on the said date.

A number of transport groups have earlier opposed Iway’s petition, asking the LTFRB to also consider factors such as traffic situation.

Iway also said that if the rollback is approved, it will have a domino effect on prices of goods and services.