By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Public utility jeepney (PUJ) operators in Bacolod City have begun implementing the new fare matrix by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Region VI (LTFRB-6).

During a radio report over the weekend, in response to complaints over the “sudden hike” in PUJ fares, Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators sa Negros Secretary-General Jessie Ortega said the job of informing the public regarding new fares falls upon the LTFRB.

He noted, to travel from the south bay at SM City Bacolod to Purok Seawall in Barangay Punta Taytay will cost P19.54. The said route is subject to a standard regular fare of P8.50 for the first four kilometers, with P1.15 added for each succeeding kilometer.

Local transport groups previously requested the new fare matrix, with the LTFRB-6 earlier approving a P2.50 increase for the Western Visayas, raising the standard fare in the region to P9.

The fare hikes stemmed from the recent spike in fuel prices, along with effects of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law./DGB, WDJ