Jeepney Drivers Opt to Stop Operations Amid Rising Fuel Prices

To avoid more financial losses, jeepney drivers have chosen to park their vehicles instead of bringing them out on the road. The continuous rising in fuel prices has forced public transport operators to cease operations thereby further exasperating the commuting crisis in the country. 

Ms. Hyacinth Bendaña of Move As One Coalition transport advocacy group has said that commuters have been experiencing difficulties with transportation as there have been fewer jeepneys on the road. This poses a problem to the commuting Filipinos that heavily rely on public transport to get to work, home, and other locations. 

According to Ms. Bendaña, the waiting time for commuters to get a ride is well over three hours. 

As the economy of the country picks up due to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, there is an increased demand for mobility. The local transportation sector is facing challenges with the increasing number of commuters and the lack of jeepneys able to provide rides. 

Commuters have been sharing on social media, videos, and photos of stranded individuals and long lines at train and bus stations with the lack of jeepneys on the road. 

Ms. Mody Floranda, National President of Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) says that from the estimated 900,000 jeepney drivers in the country, about 20% have stopped operations due to the rise in fuel prices. The jeepney drivers cannot make enough money for their families. 

The displaced jeepney drivers have started working as carpenters, family drivers, began selling rice cakes or fruit, or have gone back to the provinces to farm instead.

Source: Inquirer