Divers of Ride-Hailing services clamor for a Base Fair increase of P15

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has been asked to increase the base fair for drivers of ride-hailing firms by P15 as fuel costs continue to rise.

Last Thursday, a group of drivers for transport network vehicle services (TNVS) released a statement requesting an “immediate” solution from the LTFRB. However, the statement also notes that the drivers are grateful for the P6,500 fuel subsidy provided by the LTFRB.

“The fuel subsidy to be provided by the government would be a huge help. But we believe that the issue we’re facing right now needs an immediate and meaningful solution from the LTFRB.” the group said.

The TNVS Community recognizes that there are limited options when it comes to public transportation, but they note that rising fuel prices are discouraging some drivers who are still recovering from the effects of the pandemic.

“Malayo ang mararating ng P15 na dagdag singil sa base fare upang patuloy na makapaglingkod sa mga pasahero at lalo na sa pantustos sa pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan ng aming mga pamilya,” the group said.

(The P15 hike in the base fare would help us so we could continue serving passengers and most especially provide for our families’ daily needs.)

The petition was given last November 2021 however, the LTFRB has yet to act on the driver’s requests. Given this year’s record-breaking increase in pump prices, the group has renewed its call for the LTFRB to act on the petition.

“Ongoing pa po ang negotiation at wala pa pong linaw kung hanggang saan ang kayang ibigay ng gobyerno.… Humihiling po sana kami na bigyan ng agarang solusyon at pansin ng LTFRB,” said TNVS Community’s Ninoy Mopas.

(The negotiations are still ongoing, and it remains unclear up to how much the government can grant. We’re asking for an immediate solution and attention from the LTFRB.)

The LTFRB set the rate for ride-hailing services last 2019 for sedans the base rate is up to P40, plus the additional charge of P15 per kilometer and P2 per minute for the entire trip.

Apart from the TNVS Community, jeepney groups have also asked the LTFRB to increase the minimum far to P15 from the current P9.

From the start of 2022, fuel prices have increased for 11 consecutive weeks. Gasoline prices have increased by P20.35 per liter, P30.65/liter for diesel, and P24.9/liter for kerosene.

Source: Rappler