LTFRB okays P2 bus fare cut across country

THE Department of Transportation and Communications-Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (DOTC-LTFRB) approved the P2 peso reduction of bus fares nationwide.

The petition, signed by the Cebu Province, Cebu Provincial Bus Operators’ Association (CPBOA) and the United Mini Bus Operators’ Association, was approved by the LTFRB board last May 4 and will be implemented by May 9.

“Petitioners unanimously agreed that a discounted far rate of P6 for the first five kilometers and P1.20 per succeeding kilometer was a more reasonable fare rate for the Province of Cebu and that such rate should be exclusive of all discounts, priviledges and benefits,” reads the three-page order signed by LTFRB chief Nelson Laluces and board members Engr. Samule Julius Garcia and lawyer Manuel Iway.

Petitioners from Cebu previously claimed that bus fares in the country were issued without the active participation of transport stakeholders in Cebu.

“The board is very much appreciative of the efforts of the Province of Cebu and its bus operators to alleviate the plight of its constituents and commuters and favorably grants this application which it believes will greatly benefit the general public in the province of Cebu,” the order said.

The current bus fare rate in the country is P8.50 for the first five kilometers and P1.40 for successive kilometers.

Bus drivers or operators who violate the new rate would pay a P500 fine.