Negros folk welcome jeepney fare hike in Western Visayas

BACOLOD – Labor and business leaders in Negros Occidental welcomed the R2.50 increase in minimum jeepney fares in the region, saying it was not going to be a big burden for the minimum wage earners and the local economy.

The Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Central Office recently approved the R2.50-minimum jeepney fare increase in Western Visayas. Passengers will now have to pay R9 from the previous R6.50 for the first five kilometers, and an additional R1.50 for every succeeding kilometer.

Students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) will pay R7.50 from R5.

LTFRB Regional Director Richard Osmeña also said that they were just waiting for the aprroval of the Central Office on the proposed fare adjustments in the region anytime this week.

Wennie Sancho, secretary-general of General Alliance of Workers (GAWA)Negros Island, pointed out that the increase in the minimum jeepney fare will not be huge burden for minimum wage earners, as this might be implemented to coincide with a new order that will also increase wages.

“In general, the wage increase is just in time with this hike in jeepney fares. The impact of fare increase will be cushioned by the new wage order,” he said.

Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) Chief Executive Officer Frank Carbon also said that the business sector in the province also welcomes the fare increase as it will make the economy healthier as the people, especially the middle and the working class, will have more money to spend.

On his part, Carbon said that this fare increase will be positive for drivers as they will earn more and could even double their purchasing power.

“If they earn more, it would also mean more sales, then more production, and eventually more money to circulate that could create more job opportunities,” he said.