Transport groups seek P2 hike in minimum fare

CEBU, Philippines —  Transport groups are asking for a P2 increase in minimum fare for jeepneys nationwide as fuel prices continue to increase.

Four transport groups have asked the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to increase the minimum fare to P14 for public utility jeepneys from the current P12.

The fare increase petition was filed yesterday morning by the Liga ng Transportasyon at mga Operator sa Pilipinas (LTOP), Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide, STOP and Go, and the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of The Philippines (FEJODAP).

LTOP president Lando Marquez said they want a P2 hike in minimum fare and no changes to the per kilometer succeeding rate.

Marquez highlighted the necessity of the fare increase, noting that the current P11 hike in fuel prices have already led to an additional P200-300 in daily fuel expenses for jeepney drivers.

“Sana ang aming kahilingan, wag sana mangyari na aanhin pa ang damo pag patay na ang kabayo. Asap sana to,” he said.

He cited LTFRB memorandum circular 2019-035 that allows fare adjustments for public utility vehicles based on fuel price movements without the need to file a petition. The fare adjustment matrix takes into consideration the fluctuation of oil prices within a certain time period.

Marquez also called for the review of the oil deregulation law, which he said only benefits companies and kills those in the transport group.

“Pinagsasamantalahan tayo ng batas na deregulation. Iginigisa tayo sa sarili nating mantika ng mga oil companies dahil may sinasandalan sila na legal,” he added. — Romina Cabrera, Philippine Star News Service/FPL