Fare hike pushed
THREE of Cagayan de Oro’s biggest transport groups are set to join forces in a unified petition to raise the minimum fare for Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs).
The National Confederation of Transport Union (NCTU), Solidarity of Transport Alliance in Northern Mindanao-Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (Starex-Piston) and the Transport Federation of Cagayan de Oro (Trafeco) will have a meeting next week to discuss the proposed fare hike.
NCTU regional coordinator Joel Gabatan said these groups will convene so they can collectively draw a unified decision for fare increase.
The NCTU is proposing for P10 minimum fare while the Starex-Piston wants at least P8 so it will not burden the riding public.
“Hopeful mi nga naay increase mahitabo. Dili magtupong ang ihatag sa LTFRB kay kung P10 ihatag sa Manila sa ato diri mga P9 rana,”Gabatan said.
Gabatan said he stopped the signature campaign among its member organizations as only two have submitted their petition for P10 minimum fare.
He said it did not reach even 50 percent because other drivers and groups were passive to the said move.
“Gipaundang nako ang signature campaign kay nag uban driver mga tapulan man unya magsige rag bagulbol. Ang nabutang pa gyud akoy nadaot kay ako ra usa naglihok,”Gabatan said.
Gabatan explained that he might initiate the dialogue after hearing the move of other transport alliances for fare increase.
For his part, Starex-Piston secretary general Ringo Lago said they only propose P8 minimum fare for jeepneys.
He admitted that the transport sector is facing difficulties because of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) law which resulted to the skyrocketing prices of petroleum products and basic commodities.
Lago said asking for fare increase is reasonable but transport groups should balance and weigh all considerations so it will not be arduous for the riding public.
“Makatarunganon ang pagpangayo sa increase pero kinahanglan dunay balido nga rason kung pila ang pangayoon nga dili bug-at sa mga sumasakay kay sayod ta nga wala pay increase sa suhulan sa mga trabahante,”Lago said.
He said the Starex-Piston will assemble and consult its members to fix the amount of the increase.
“Dili pa fix atong pangayoon nga P8 kay depende pa ni sa majority kay naay assembly ug consultation ang Starex,”Lago said.
“Mas maayo naay hiniusa nga petition para dili bulabog ug matabangan og depensa sa mga leaders during sa public hearing,”he added.
Transport leaders are asking for understanding from the public and support from the transport sector.