Jeepney leaders like Obet Martin of Pasang Masda conceded yesterday that their members can only charge the new minimum fare of P10 if they already have the new fare matrix.

Martin said that the riding public can still pay the old minimum fare of P9 if drivers are unable to display the new fare table from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

The fare matrix is important because it also reflects the increases in fares past the minimum approved by the LTFRB recently in view of rising fuel prices, he said.

Pasang Masda says it will comply with LTFRB order.

Martin issued the statement during a media open forum in which he defended the fare increase to offset the loss of income for jeepney drivers and operators as fuel prices increased 11 times within the year.

“Our original petition to LTFRB was for P12 as minimum fare so we can cope up with the high cost of parts and fuel. But we were given just a one-peso increase,” he said.

Martin then asked for understanding from the commuting public, saying jeepney drivers are living a “hand-to-mouth” existence due to rising prices of commodities.

“Give us the one-peso increase so we can sustain the needs of our families,” he enthused.