Transport official belies report of fare hike amid PUV modernization

CEBU CITY – A transport official on Saturday alerted the public of fake news circulating on social media that a fare hike will be implemented once the Public Utility Vehicles Modernization Program (PUVMP) is fully enforced.

Eduardo Montealto Jr., Director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Central Visayas, said the story posted by a news site is "misinformation and false."

He said the PUVMP will not raise the minimum fare from P15 to P40.

"Such a claim is without factual and legal basis…Fare rates are fixed and regulated by the LTFRB to protect the public. It will not be changed on the basis of speculation," Montealto told the Philippine News Agency.

Any application for increase of fare rates will go through a long and rigid formal evaluation process and subjected to notices and hearings, he explained.

The process will "further involve the thorough evaluation and appreciation of relevant data coming from other government agencies such as National Economic Development Authority and Department of Energy," he explained.

The national government did not extend the April 30 deadline for individual jeepneys to consolidate into cooperatives and corporations.

However, the LTFRB is still catering to partial applications filed within the deadline and allows applications for consolidations even after the April 30 closing date for submission of documentary requirements.

LTFRB-7 has consolidated 8,500 units in Central Visayas, so far. (PNA)