MORE NEWS, MOUNTAIN PROVINCE

Sagada folks approve fare hike
By Gina Dizon

SAGADA, Mountain Province - Drivers, operators and the riding public here agreed to an increase of P50 from the P35 fare for the 18-km Sagada to Bontoc route.

This, as the Land Transportation and Franchise Regulatory Board has yet to rule on whether this was legal. With the increase of fuel prices at P59.53 per liter, officials of LTFRB said jeepneys nationwide would now be charging P8.50 from P7.50 for the first four kilometers, plus P1.50 for every succeeding kilometer.
In the case of special fares, drivers and the operators through their association
should file a petition to the LTFRB for a special fare.

Officer-in-charge and Assistant Regional Director Celina Claver of LTFRB said a special fare depends on fuel price, the terrain and maintenance cost.

This however shall be presented and justified to proper authorities in a proper petition for the increase of the transportation cost otherwise, the increase is illegal even if there is consent of the riding public.

This means that if there is no properly authorized increase of transportation cost, PUJs have to abide by the 1.50 increase per kilometer bringing the transportation cost for Sagada to Bontoc at P29.50 per way. Meantime, taxis have a flag down rate of P35.00 plus an increase of 1.50 for every succeeding kilometer.