By Mae Singuay

Transport groups in Negros Occidental are hoping that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will soon release its approval of their petition for a P2 fare increase.

Eduardo Asis, secretary general of the Sentrong Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Negros (SSTONE), said he met with LTFRB in Western Visayas director Richard Osmeña on September 19, to follow up their petition.

Osmeña told Asis that the national office is ready to approve the fare hike soon.

However, it was not known how much the hike would be.

Asis hopes that the regulatory agency will release the new fare rate as soon as possible.

SSTONE and the Federation of Bacolod City Drivers Association filed a petition due to the continuing increase in fuel prices that caused losses to their income.

The current minimum fare for traditional public utility jeepneys is P8.50 for the first four kilometers.

However, Asis said passengers are now paying P10 because they understand their plight.

For modernized buses, the current minimum fare is P12./MS, WDJ