P2 jeep fare hike sought

A group of jeepney drivers and operators filed a petition yesterday for a P2 increase in the minimum fare for jeepneys.

The Philippine Confederation of Drivers and Operators—Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (PCDO—ACTO) said the increase would apply only to trips of four kilometers or less. If the petition is granted, the fare for short trips would increase to P7.50 from the current P5.50.

Fares for longer trips would not increase, PCDO—ACTO president Efren de Luna said.

The petition, filed before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), reportedly has the backing of the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP).

LTFRB Chairwoman Elena Bautista told The STAR the board will hold public hearings before deciding on the petition.

"We will hear the case and (the petitioner’s) justification. But, of course, we will have to find a balance because there is no increase of salaries for the workers who are the passengers," she said.

The fare increase, Bautista said, could have the unintended effect of reducing the "ridership of jeeps."

"The fare will increase but there is a possibility that the number of passengers will be lessened due to the increase in fare. So, drivers and operators may also be affected," she said.

Another transport group, the Pinag-Isang Samahan ng mga Tsuper and Operators Nationwide (PISTON), said any fare hike will needlessly burden the public and only lead to increases in the prices of basic commodities.

PISTON president Mars Garvida said his group does not support the PCDO—ACTO petition and will instead join protest actions against the recent spate of fuel price increases.

De Luna said PISTON’s position on the fare hike is understandable. He said PISTON, as an affiliate of the militant labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno, gives more priority to the concerns of workers than to the needs of the transport industry.