Transport groups to defer fare hike petition

CEBU, Philippines - Several transports groups, drivers and operators have agreed to defer their plans of filing a petition asking for a P2.50 increase in the minimum fare for public utility jeepneys.

Ryan Benjamin Yu, chairman of the Cebu Confederation of Transport Operators and Drivers Inc. said they came up with the decision after oil companies implemented a rollback of fuel prices yesterday.

“Lain man sad paminawon mga mo-file mi og fare hike petition karon nga nag-rollback man ang presyo sa fuel,” Yu said.

He however emphasized that it does not mean they will no longer seek a fare increase and said they will just have to wait two weeks from now.

They will then decide how much is the amount they will ask for as well as the date they will file their petition.

Yu, who is also the chairman of Cebu Integrated Transport Services Cooperative, added that once their petition is finalized, the amount would either be P2.50 or lower but not higher than the said amount.

He said its high time for them to increase the minimum fare amidst the rising costs of fuel, spare parts, tires and lubricants.

Yu added that transport operators will also increase the rental of their public utility jeepneys due to the said reasons. (FREEMAN)