IMMEDIATE fare hikes would not happen with the implementation of of the public utility vehicles (PUV) modernization program. 

According to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III the current jeepney fares will be the same.

“There is no basis to implement fare hikes for public utility vehicles (PUVs)… Several factors, such as inflation and cost of fuel, must be considered before the agency approves a new fare increase,” Guadiz said.

The LTFRB made the clarification after transport group PISTON said that jeepney drivers might demand higher fares up to P25 with the  financial pressures of purchasing modern jeepney units.  

Earlier, the the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said that operators and drivers will be informed that their franchises would be revoked “a week or two” after the April 30 consolidation deadline.

The government urged unconsolidated operators and drivers not to persist in operating despite their lack of franchise.

Consolidation into cooperatives is part of the PUVMP.

Started in 2017, the PUVMP is aimed at replacing jeepneys with vehicles that are at least  Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution.