Jeepney fare hike stopped
06/29/2007 | 01:14 PM
(Updated 1:18 p.m.) A day after granting the request, the Land Transportation and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Friday suspended the return of the P7.50-minimum fare for jeepneys next month pending approval from government economic managers and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
LTFRB Chair Thompson Lantion told GMA News that he received this morning a copy of Malacañang's memorandum circular 132, which halts fare increases in the transportation sector.
Fare adjustments would have to undergo the scrutiny of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), which is chaired by President Arroyo, the Palace order said.
"As soon as we get clearance from the NEDA board ... because this (jeepney fare hike) will have an impact on programs, on inflation and the like," Lantion said.
For the meantime, the report said the government will study "incentives" for jeepney drivers instead of resorting to a P0.50-price hike.
QTV television's Balitanghali quoted Lantion as saying that a new decision on the fare hike would take about 30 days.
Petitioners had cited rising prices of fuel, spare parts, and basic commodities in asking for the hike from P7 to P7.50 .
They also pointed out that the initial agreement in December last year was to slash the fare from P7.50 to P7 for only 45 days.
The price hike was supposed to apply in Metro Manila and the Central and Southern Luzon regions starting July 2. - GMANews.TV
LTFRB Chair Thompson Lantion told GMA News that he received this morning a copy of Malacañang's memorandum circular 132, which halts fare increases in the transportation sector.
Fare adjustments would have to undergo the scrutiny of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), which is chaired by President Arroyo, the Palace order said.
"As soon as we get clearance from the NEDA board ... because this (jeepney fare hike) will have an impact on programs, on inflation and the like," Lantion said.
For the meantime, the report said the government will study "incentives" for jeepney drivers instead of resorting to a P0.50-price hike.
QTV television's Balitanghali quoted Lantion as saying that a new decision on the fare hike would take about 30 days.
Petitioners had cited rising prices of fuel, spare parts, and basic commodities in asking for the hike from P7 to P7.50 .
They also pointed out that the initial agreement in December last year was to slash the fare from P7.50 to P7 for only 45 days.
The price hike was supposed to apply in Metro Manila and the Central and Southern Luzon regions starting July 2. - GMANews.TV
