The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has clarified that the new fare rate for public utility vans of PHP2 per kilometer imposed in Eastern Visayas is not an increase, but a restoration of the old fare rate.

In an interview Monday, LTFRB Eastern Visayas Regional Director Gualberto Gualberto said the PHP2 per kilometer fare adjustment was supposed to be implemented nationwide in 2007 through a memorandum circular but deferred in Region 8 hence, the adjustment cannot be considered an increase.

“It was not fully enforced because of the petition from transport owners sometime in 2009 to just decrease it to PHP1.40. However, last March, the same group filed a petition for its restoration citing increases in the prices of gasoline, operations, and maintenance cost,” Gualberto said.

The new fare rate has surprised some passengers, saying it should have not been implemented without proper consultation and information dissemination.

“I was really shocked. I work in Ormoc City and my family is in Tanauan, Leyte. I have to go home once a month instead of weekly to save money. It is very costly for someone like me earning only PHP350 a day,” said young father, Ian Catindoy, who works at Robinsons Place Ormoc.

From PHP130 rate per trip, a passenger van bound for Ormoc from Tacloban now charges PHP218 for regular rate and PHP174 for discounted fares.

Gualberto said the fare matrix must be visible inside the vehicle, clarifying that the new rate involves only passenger vans and not buses and jeepneys.

“The riding public must check the matrix with my signature, otherwise, operators and the drivers would not be allowed to impose the PHP2 per km fare rate,” he said.

The LTRFB also reminded van operators to strictly follow the mandatory discounts for senior citizens, students, and persons with disabilities.

“Proper sanctions will be imposed against those van operators who will not grant proper discounts, including those who tolerate extension chairs during the trip,” Gualberto added. (PNA)