Jeepney fare cut by 1
Bigger rollback possible – LTFRB; adjustment draws mixed reactions
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) yesterday approved a P1 provisional fare rollback for jeepneys plying in Metro Manila.
The fare cut will take effect immediately, LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez said.
From P8.50, the minimum fare will now be P7.50 for the first four kilome- ters. However, the rate for succeeding kilometers will remain the same.
The fare roll back will also be applicable to senior citizens and students, who are entitled to 20-percent discount.
Ginez said the LTFRB will issue as soon as possible a fare matrix to serve as guide to passengers and drivers alike.
In the provinces, Ginez said the LTFRB regional or provincial
offices will have to implement their own fare rollback because diesel prices in these areas vary.
“We have directed them to initiate their own proceedings. Within 30 days, they have to report to the board what they have done with regard to the fare rollback. We would like that their decisions be based on regional prices,” said Ginez.
The LTFRB chairman said the rollback now is similar to 2011 when diesel prices were in the range of 34- 35, and the minimum fare was 7.50.
Ginez said the provisional rollback for now “is effective until further notice” but there is a possibility that jeepney fares might have bigger reductions in the future. Palace welcome
rollback Malacañang welcomed the 1 provisional fare rollback.
“That’s a timely decision from the LTFRB and will certainly be welcomed by the riding public,” Deputy presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte said.
The fare rollback was also a welcome development for transport and consumer groups.
Elvira Medina of the National Center for Commuters Safety and Protection said it’s “about time” the rollback was implemented.
George San Mateo of Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston) expressed the same sentiment. However, he is concerned that the sudden implementation of the fare rollback might cause a ruckus in the streets.
He appealed to the LTFRB to set a proper date for the implementation of fare rollback to avoid discord within the streets, especially since not all drivers and passengers are aware of this provision.
Obet Martin of Pasang Masda said that the price rollback is just right since it is in accordance with diesel prices now. But like San Mateo, he is concerned that arguments might arise between drivers and passengers with the sudden implementation of the rollback.
Mixed reactions
While Malacañang, consumers, and transport groups welcomed the rollback, the labor sector had mixed reactions.
Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) spokesperson Alan Tanjusay lauded the fare cut as an early “Christmas gift” for workers.
“The jeepney fare rollback is a welcome development for workers at this economically difficult period. This is a Christmas gift for minimum wage earners who commute everyday for work,” Tanjusay said.
“It’s a small amount but it’s a big relief for working people,” he added.
But the militant labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) demanded a higher fare rollback, saying it is not “commensurate” with the decrease in the global prices of petroleum products.
“Oil rollback should be more or at onetime not in installments. That’s cheating by big oil cartels,” KMU Chairman Elmer Labog said.
Labog also said the other private transportations like airlines, Metro Rail Transits (MRT), and the Light Rail Transits (LRT), should also follow the example of PUJs in reducing their fare rates.
He also said other private companies should also reduce prices of their services or goods to relieve workers of their financial woes.
“It’s high time for other quarters to follow suit. Like businessmen who should lower the prices of their commodities and services,” he added.
Negros Oriental Rep. Manuel Iway had earlier filed a petition seeking a reduction in jeepney fare.
Iway had asked the LTFRB to reduce the minimum fare from 8.50 to 8 for the first four kilometers, and the succeeding kilometer rate from 1.50 to 1.40 for jeepneys in Metro Manila, Regions 3 and 4. (With reports from Genalyn D. Kabiling and Samuel P. Medenilla)