BOHOL Operators of Land Transport Association has yet to meet to start the formal process of getting the benefit of implementing the newly approved fare rates.
Atty. Alvin Uy, BOLTA President said he has yet to meet members of the organization to ask them to formalize their intent on implementing the new tariff rates for public transport here in Bohol.
During an exclusive interview, Uy revealed that it is just right for the organization to also implement what the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has asked from the government so as to help operators recoup the increasing prices of oil and spare parts.
Uy, whose family owns and operates the St. Jude Transportation Company of Baclayon pointed out that the rising cost of tires alone would make the transport industry rethink its routes.
Bolta, a local organization, which allows its members to service major Bohol routes said the increase is long overdue especially when they have seen the rise in prices of diesel and lubricants but stuck to the old fare rates.
Sources also revealed that the last time BOLTA effected an increase was still using the P6 minimum and applying the peso per kilometer rate.
With the sudden rise in crude oil price in the international markets, the country has seen corresponding increases in the price of oil and other petroleum based products. This has also seriously affected the prices of oils and other lubricants.
With the onset, LTFRB has been hearing rate increase petitions from the transport sector.
Recently, however, on behalf of the country’s transport sector, the government transport franchising board has asked for the National Economic Development Authority Board approval of the new fare rates.
The new rate, according to LTFRB’s Thompson Lantion would be adopting a minimum of P8.50 for the first four kilometers and P1.50 for every succeeding kilometer.
As for taxicabs, passengers will have to add P10 to the amount registered by the taxi meter.
For ordinary buses, the minimum fare is now P10 for the first five kilometers; plus P1.95 each for the succeeding kilometers. Aircon bus fares, on the other hand, are normally 20 percent higher than ordinary bus fare rates, said Lantion.
The jeepney and taxi fare hikes are “across-the-board” nationwide, while the rate increase for buses is for Metro Manila. (rachiu/PIA)