PUJ fare at P10? Public hearing set in Cebu for fare hike bid

If transport operators in Cebu and Central Visayas have their way, minimum jeepney fare would be raised to P10 or an increase of P2.50.

A public hearing for this is set on June 24 in Cebu City, the first time a fare hike petition hearing will be decentralized by the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) instead of holding the public forum in Metro Manila.

The venue is still being arranged.

LTFRB-7 Regional Director Ahmed Cuizon said he was negotiating with Cebu Normal University (CNU) to use its centennial stage.

In the meantime, he reminded PUJ drivers to observe the regular fare of P7.50 and a 20 percent discount for students and senior citizens.

The petition of the Cebu Integrated Transport Service Cooperative Incorporated (Citrasco) seeks a P2.50 increase in minimum PUJ fare for the first five kilometers of travel.

The LFTRB in a May 29 order delegated to the regional director in Central Visayas “the authority to hear and receive the evidence in support of the petition.”

Cuizon told reporters that his office can send its recommendations to the LTFRB en banc but that the board has the final say.

“For the prompt disposition of the Petition for Fare Increase of PUJ Service Fares in Region VII, this Board pursuant to Memorandum Circular 92-005 Re: Delegation of Authority for regional managers to hear and set fares within respective jurisdictions.”

The order was signed by LTFRB chairman Winston M. Ginez, board member Ronaldo F. Corpus and executive director Roberto Cabrera III.

Last May 8, Ginez granted the request of Ryan Yu, Citrasco president during the Transport Summit to hold a separate public hearing after Yu insisted that Cebu and other provinces have different needs than Metro Manila.

Acting Mayor Edgar Labella said he would ask City Councilor Gerardo Carillo who heads the transportation committee, to participate in the public hearing.