Cebu transport groups snub fare hike

CEBU — Transport groups here were unfazed by the statement of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Regional Rirector Rogelio Osmeña that the P2 fare hike in Metro Manila, if approved, will not be implemented in Cebu since no petition has been filed for such an increase.

Steve Cañas, of the Visayas United Drivers Transport Cooperative (VUDTRASCO), told The Freeman that the P2 fare hike is too much for the daily wage earner. "Mas maayo di maapil ang Cebu kay luoy ang daily wage earner ug estudyante (It’s good if we are not included because the daily wage earners and students will be affected)," Cañas said.

Cañas said if they decide to file a petition for a fare hike, it would not be P2 (P2.50 in Cebu) because it would push the minimum fare to P7.50, which is an additional burden to passengers now taking two rides to reach Cebu City because of the rerouting scheme.

At the moment, drivers in Metro Cebu have to be content with the present P5 minimum fare.

For its part, Nagkahiusang Drayber sa Sugbo (NADSU) chairman Anthony Pogado said his group is still studying whether they should file a petition for fare increase.

Pogado said the proposed P2.50 hike is "too much" at this time, adding that it will only benefit oil companies as it signals them to raise the prices of their fuel products.

He added that it is not easy for Cebu drivers and operators to ask for fare increase since it would undergo a series of public hearings, unlike oil companies which are protected by the Oil Deregulation Law and can increase fuel prices anytime.

NADSU is waiting for the result of its petition seeking the re-implementation of the P5.50 minimum fare, which was approved last year but was reduced to P5 following the request of the drivers.

Osmeña said the LTFRB is waiting for the groups to file their petition for fare increase. — Freeman News Service