Commuters, operators react to fare hike

CEBU, Philippines — With just ?100 in her pocket, Lorena (not her real name) skips lunch almost every day --not by choice, but because her entire allowance barely covers her daily commute from Liloan town to Cebu City. By 6 A.M., the 20-year-old is already on the road. She has to take two jeepneys just to make it to her 7:30 A.M. class.

For students like Lorena, every peso in their pocket counts and with the recently announced one-peso increase in jeepney fare, it may seem small, but it’s already the difference between a ride and a meal, a commute and a necessity.

However, citing increasing gas rates, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regularly Board expressed intent to increase jeepney fare by ?1 by July last Tuesday, June 19. A move that Cebu transport groups openly supported, raising concerns from Lorena and other commuters alike.

Burden

While many people recognize the challenges drivers face due to fuel costs, students like Andi, 21, who rely solely on her parents, can’t help but feel disheartened.

“Bisan piso, very dako na kaayo nga makuha ana sa kwarta namo,” said Andi. As a financially-unstable student trying to save what little she has, the fare hike --however small-- cuts deeper than it seems.

It’s not just students who may be affected by the increase. For 51-year-old Jeoffrey Reyes who earns minimum wage, this hike would cut his already-limited earnings.

He explained that since he commutes to work every day, the peso could have been saved and spent on other daily expenses.

Empathy

Despite their own financial limitations, several commuters expressed understanding for jeepney drivers, especially those driving traditional ones struggling to keep up with modernized units and rising gas rates.

“As much as it is frustrating for me as a student, mo-agree ra ko,” said Thattiana, 21, “unpredictable na gani ang prices even during peaceful times --unsa na lang kaha karon nga naa pa’y conflict sa Middle East.”

Angelica Baclay, also 21, commutes six times a week for work. She supports the hike, but only if student and senior citizen discounts remain strictly intact.

“Para nako makatabang g’yud ni sa atong mga driver, hilabi na sa traditional jeepney driver kay taas na kaayo ang presyo sa gasolina ug maintenance,” said Baclay.

Ehd, 22, a working student, echoed the same sentiment. He understands that jeepney drivers also pay rent and support family needs on top of gas refills.

Frustrations

Lorena, while generally in favor of the increase, expressed concern about the lack of regulation for modern jeeps, citing that “some (drivers) charge higher than legal” and that “they might take advantage of the increase”.

Some commuters shared the same frustration. For Rose, 35, there would be no difference since fare is already inconsistent and higher than suggested fares –which cuts on her tight budget as a mother.

“Mura ra man gihapog gipasaka,” said Rose, “di man ta suklian sa uban. Maglibog ka pilay plite kung ?12 ba o ?13 usahay pa gani ?15.”

She added that wages should also be increased to keep up with the fare hike.

Operator’s Side

While commuters wrestle with their daily budgets, operators say they are barely getting by.

Ellen Maghanoy, chairwoman of the Federation of Cebu Transport Cooperatives, said that since the inflation in diesel is rising, it becomes a huge challenge that affects the transport sector.

She added that an average of ?2,500 to ?2,700 is needed for gas consumption in modern jeepneys, while traditional jeepneys cover around ?800 to ?900 per day.

"Bug-at g’yud kay na, may naman gani ihilak kataas na ba unya atoang increase sa plitehan piso ra, pero mas maayo nalang na kaysa wala," she said.

She emphasized that this ?1 fare increase would greatly help drivers, especially those who can't cater to commuters during off-peak.

In line with this problem, she said that during her talk with the secretary of the Department of Transportation, promises were made to continue their efforts in providing assistance such as modernization programs and fuel subsidies to aid the sector’s needs.

For commuters like Ehd, who is not personally affected by the increase, he recognized that the issue is not just about the fare increase --it’s about how both sides are left to fend for themselves.

“Definitely, it’s an issue g’yud sa uban niya dapat pangitaan og paagi nga dili ang citizens or and drivers ang mag-suffer,” said Ehd, “the government must come up with (a) resolution nga both drivers and commuters and maka-benefit.”

While Lorena continues her daily commute, counting for every peso and skipping lunch to make it to school, she is looking forward to a government intervention beneficial for both sides. -   Shyrielle Lariosa,