MANILA, Philippines — Operators of public utility vehicles (PUV) will not file a petition for a fare hike despite a hefty increase in oil prices tomorrow, a transport group announced yesterday.
Pasang Masda president Roberto Martin said he met with other leaders of the so-called “Magnificent 7” and agreed not to push for an increase in the minimum fare.
“There will be no petition (for fare hike). Jeepney drivers and operators do not take advantage of our passengers just to earn money,” Martin said.
Diesel price is expected to go up by P2.50 and P2.70 while gasoline will increase by P2.30 to P2.50 per liter.
“The almost P3 per liter increase (in diesel price) will mean big losses for us, but we need to balance the situation,” Martin said.
The transport groups considered the difficulties faced by commuters, he said.
Instead of a fare increase, Martin said they would ask Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista to provide jeepney operators and drivers fuel subsidy.
According to Martin, modernized PUVs and traditional jeepneys usually receive P10,000 and P6,000, respectively, in fuel subsidy from the government.