Philippine Government Approves Fare Discount for Public Utility Vehicles in Metro Manila

 The Philippine government has approved a fare discount for public utility vehicles in Metro Manila, which will result in a return to the 9 peso fare for traditional jeepneys. This discount will reduce the current minimum fare of 12 pesos by 3 pesos.

Photo by Marfil Graganza Aquino: https://www.pexels.com/photo/road-2604843/

For modernized jeepneys, the fare will be reduced to 11 pesos. Meanwhile, bus fares will be reduced by 3 to 4 pesos. The government is also considering a fare discount for UV Express.

In a TeleRadyo interview, Pasang Masda President Obet Martin stated that the fare discount was a result of their discussions with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Department of Transportation. He also highlighted the need to serve low-income commuters who rely on traditional and modern jeepneys for their daily transportation.

The fare discount is temporary and has a limit, as the government has allocated a budget for this purpose. Once the budget is depleted, the fare will revert to its original price. The discount will be effective for six months starting in April and will be implemented in Metro Manila before being extended to neighboring provinces.

Commuters welcomed the news of the fare discount, particularly those who have to spend a significant amount on transportation daily, such as real estate agents and security guards. The return to the 9 peso fare for traditional jeepneys is particularly beneficial for low-income commuters, who have lost access to the EDSA bus carousel's free rides.

Reference link:

https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/03/16/23/minimum-jeepney-fare-balik-p9-sa-metro-manila