THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has waived the franchise verification fee for processing the fare matrix/guide and deferred the fare matrix/guide filing fee payment.
The LTFRB said the decision was made in response to the clamor of public utility vehicle (PUV) operators impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and to provide them financial relief amidst the continued rise of fuel prices and the effect of global inflation.
“This is one of the agency’s steps to continue supporting the transportation sector as it recovers,” the LTFRB said.
Based on the released Board Resolution 173, PUV operators now have two options for paying the filing fee of P520 for the fare matrix/guide: On the very day of applying the fare matrix/guide or not later than Sept. 30, 2023.
The board resolution signed on Thursday also stated that the P40 franchise verification fee for processing the fare matrix/guide has been “waived”.
The LTFRB said the resolution was also issued after a low number of Fare Matrix/Guide applicants was recorded.
Based on LTFRB data, only 36 percent of the total number of PUVs have been issued with fare matrix/guide.
The fare matrix/guide gives authority to PUV operators and drivers to charge fares based on the issued decision of the LTFRB that implemented the fare increase on public vehicles last September 16.
The agency reminded PUV operators and drivers that they cannot charge higher fares if they do not have the fare matrix/guide posted inside their vehicles and visible to passengers.
The LTFRB warned that anyone caught violating the policy will be subject to appropriate punishment based on Joint Administrative Order 2014-01 and the conditions contained in their Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC).
The said option and waiver will be implemented starting today, Friday, October 28.