Bacolod City commuters will have to pay P1 more for their fare starting Sunday, October 8, as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) granted a provisional fare increase for both traditional and modern public utility jeepneys (PUJ) nationwide.
The minimum fare for traditional and modern PUJs in Bacolod will be P13 and P15, respectively. The 20 percent discount for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities remains.
The provisional fare increase is for the first 4 kilometers only. There is no increase for succeeding kilometers.
Transportation groups in Bacolod welcomed the fare hike, but said it is not enough to cover the rising cost of fuel and other operating expenses.
“It’s a band-aid solution, but at least the drivers will have additional earnings at the end of the day,” said Diego Malacad, secretary general of the Negros Drivers and Operators Center.
The LTFRB granted the provisional fare increase after a series of consultations with transport groups and other stakeholders. The board said the increase is necessary to help PUJ drivers cope with the rising cost of fuel and other operating expenses.
