JEEPNEY GROUPS WANT BASIC FARE RAISED TO P10

Five transport groups are asking for a P2 increase in the minimum jeepney fare, seven months after a P1 hike was approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

In a petition filed on Tuesday, the groups led by the Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association (Pasang Masda) said jeepney drivers and operators needed the increase to cope with the rising cost of fuel and spare parts.

Pasang Masda president Obet Martin noted that the price of diesel since August had risen from P30.05 to P32.64 per liter. And because of the peso’s depreciation, the price of imported parts, such like transmission disc brakes, had also gone up from P1,400 to P1,700 each, he added.

“[I]t is just and necessary to seek relief with the [LTFRB] and pray for the increase of the minimum fare for the first 4 kilometers, from P8 to P10, in order to cover the increase in diesel price, spare parts and other operational cost for our member drivers and operators,” the petition added.

If approved, the petition would adjust the minimum fare to P10 and cover the National Capital Region, Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog. In February, the LTFRB approved a P8 minimum fare in those three regions.

LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada said the matter would be thoroughly discussed, particularly its “social impact” on 6.4 million riders. A hearing is set for Sept. 27. Also among the petitioners are the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization, Liga ng Transport Operators ng Pilipinas, and Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines.