Transport Groups Call for Jeepney Fare Hike from Current ₱9 Minimum

On Tuesday, various transport groups urge the government to address the continued surge of oil prices amidst the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Among the proposed forms of interventions was a fare hike. Currently, the minimum fare for public utility jeepneys (PUJs) still stands at ₱9 as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) evaluates the appeals of the concerned groups.

There were two petitions that were raised, one of which requests a minimum fare hike of ₱5 from the current price — leading to an increase to ₱14 — while the other aimed for a higher price increase of ₱6 in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Southern Tagalog. The first appeal came from the groups 1-UTAK, Pasang Masda, ALTODAP, and ACTO who also forwarded an increased fee for every succeeding kilometer from ₱1.50 to ₱2.50. LTOP, who called for the ₱6 hike, was asked by LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgrato to submit a different document amending and clarifying its request.

According to 1-Utak President Vigor Mendoza, the income of jeepney drivers has drastically decreased as drivers are led to spend over ₱1,200 on fuel as the price sits on over ₱60 per liter. The groups had previously called on regulators to return the ₱10 minimum fare which was implemented in 2018. The LTFRB, however, later reduced the fare to ₱9 at the end of the aforementioned year granted that the price for diesel fell to ₱38 per liter.

“Ngayon kami na ang nahihirapan (Now, we are the ones who are suffering,)” explained Pasang Masda President Roberto “Ka Obet” Martin. “From ₱42 to ₱49 (diesel prices in early 2018), ₱8 to ₱10 (fare increase) inapprove ninyo. Ang minimum wage during that time parehas rin ngayon tsaka noon.” (“From the ₱42 to ₱49 jump in diesel prices in early 2018, you approved a fare increase from ₱8 to ₱10. The minimum wage then is the same as now.”)

“Wala akong makitang dahilan para hindi ibalik yung sampung piso muna. Dahil kailangan namin. Yung piso kasi malaking bagay sa driver ‘yan. Makapagsakay ka ng 200 pasahero, that’s ₱200,” Martin added. (“I cannot see any reason against reverting to ₱10 for now when we need it. A single peso is worth a lot to a driver. If you service 200 passengers, that’s ₱200.”)

The transport groups were also asked by Delgra to submit a memorandum but Greg Pua, counsel to petitioners, noted that urgent motions to restore the minimum fare had already been filed. Delgra then announced that the appeal for a ₱1 increase “is now submitted for resolution.”

As for the bigger fare hike, LTOP President Orlando Marquez hoped for regulators to come to a swift resolution. Hence, the LTFRB has scheduled March 22 for the next hearing, which was initially set for April 6. Pasang Masda added the receipts and documents requested by the LTFRB will be submitted by the petitioners.

Ma. Kristina Cassion, LTFRB Executive Director, furthered that a decision will be released after the March 22 hearing as they examine important factors such as inflationary impact, effect on commuters, and effect on the price of goods and services. At the moment, a “basket of solutions” is being offered by the government to assist the necessary sectors including a ₱2.5 billion fuel subsidy which could cover around 377,000 beneficiaries, Cassion added.

Source: CNN PH