By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Region VI (LTFRB-6) recently recommended public utility jeepneys (PUJs) fares be increased to P9. Currently, regular fares in the Western Visayas run between P6.50 to P7.

In a radio interview yesterday morning, LTFRB-6 Director Richard Osmeña said local transport groups are demanding P10 fares, while the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recommended fares be set at P8.

He noted, the recommended fare hike, which he called “reasonable,” is in response to rising fuel prices.

Osmeña, however, said fare hikes are still incumbent on a decision by the LTFRB Central Office.

The regional director added, they are expecting the central office to release its decision this month./DGB, WDJ