BY IME SORNITO, RM CALANTAS, AND JEN BAYLON
ILOILO City – Starting Sunday, Oct. 8, a P1 provisional fare increase will take effect for both traditional and modern public utility jeepneys (PUJ) across the country, including in Western Visayas.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved the increase on Tuesday, Oct. 3.
The minimum fares for traditional and modern PUJs would be P13 and P15, respectively.
“We approved a provisional fare increase of P1 for the first four kilometers, but there is no increase for succeeding kilometers,” said LTFRB chair Teofilo Guadiz III yesterday in a press conference at the board’s central office in Quezon City.
His announcement followed a hearing with transport groups including the Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila & Suburbs Drivers Association Nationwide, Inc. (PASANG MASDA), the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP), and the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO).
These groups had sought a P5 fare increase for the first four kilometers and a P1 increase for subsequent kilometers.
The P1 increase is temporary, pending LTFRB’s decision on the primary petition, Guadiz said.
He also reminded public utility vehicle drivers and operators to continue offering discounted fares for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and students.
Drivers, commuters content
Transport groups, drivers and commuters in Western Visayas welcomed the P1 fare hike.
Rizal Alido, president of the Iloilo City-based Western Visayas Alliance of Transport Cooperatives and Corporations, Inc. (WVATCCI), said though the hike might seem insignificant compared to the almost weekly increase in the prices of fuel, it significantly aids the fare collection of traditional and modernized jeepneys.
“Considering the consistent increase in fuel prices and the rising costs of primary commodities, this fare adjustment will be beneficial. The hike won’t burden commuters as it’s only P1. Both the transport sector and commuters should find this reasonable,” Alido added.
* traditional PUJs – current base fare (P12); approved base fare (P13); current additional charge per succeeding kilometer (P1.80)
* modern PUJs (MPUJs) – current base fare (P14;) approved base fare (P15); current additional charge per succeeding kilometer (P2.20)
Raymundo Parcon, president of the Western Visayas Transport Cooperative (WVTC), believes the P1 hike will boost drivers’ incomes, especially considering the increasing diesel prices. Parcon expressed gratitude towards the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and LTFRB for approving the fare petition.
Jeepney drivers from various routes shared their perspectives.
Edwin Alfaras, a 58-year-old driver from Janiuay, Iloilo plying the Jaro CPU- Ungka route, said the increase would help offset daily fuel expenses.
“Bisan piso lang na okay lang ah. Kun madugangan pa gid tani gawa,” he added.
Alfaras said he averages P1,500 in daily income but spends P1,000 for fuel and jeep rental.
Another driver, Arnold Moquete of Cabatuan, Iloilo said the fare hike would assist drivers in covering operational costs.
But he would welcome another increase, he added unabashedly.
“Iban nga pasahero bisan butangan mo minimum fare (matrix) hatag nila P10 man gyapon,” Moquete lamented.
On the other hand, the 62-year-old jeepney driver of Ungka-Diversion (Highway) route, Cesar Sonsa, said the government fuel subsidy was not enough, so the fare increase is most welcome.
Commuters also weighed in.
Aira Jane Claveria, a student from Cabatuan, Iloilo, said, “It’s alright because it helps our drivers, especially with rising gasoline prices.”
“Sobra naman kun P2 kay student pa lang man ko,” Claveria added.
Another passenger, Eric Tiongson, commented, “It’s okay for me, but might be significant for other commuters and students.”
LTFRB-6 awaiting guidelines
Atty. Salvador Altura, legal counsel of LTFRB-6, said yesterday the regional office hasn’t received any official document or guideline on implementing the new fare hike.
They were waiting instructions on whether they needed to issue a new fare matrix or if a general public notice would suffice, he added.
Both Parcon and Alido were also waiting for LTFRB-6’s announcement regarding the new fare matrix to keep commuters informed. (With a report from the Philippine News Agency/PN)
