Metro, provincial buses file fare hike petition

An association of bus operators on Tuesday filed a petition asking the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to hike the fare for ordinary and air-conditioned buses operating within Metro Manila, as well as those going to and from the provinces.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Steve Dailisan, transport group Samahang Transport Operators ng Pilipinas asked to increase the fare for the following bus services:

Buses in Metro Manila

Ordinary:

• P3.30 for first 5 kilometers
• P0.60 per succeeding kilometer

Air-conditioned:

• P4 for first 5 kilometers
• P0.70 per succeeding kilometer

Provincial buses

Ordinary:

• P2.95 for first 5 kilometers
• P0.45 per succeeding kilometer

Air-conditioned:

• from P0.55 to P0.75 per kilometer

The group's managing director Juliet de Jesus cited the need for bus operators to increase their earnings amid the "domino effect" of excise taxes on fuel and services, as well as the global shift in the price of fuel.

They also voiced their additional responsibility to comply with the PUV Modernization Law, which requires them to be "Euro 4 compliant."

"Pinag-aralan muna ng bus operators bago nila ginawa... excise tax alone nasa ilang porsyento na 'yan. Nandoon naman 'yon sa petition namin and then 'yung world market price ng diesel," said De Jesus.

"Baka 'yung ibang operator baka... hindi nila matutugunan ang taas. Maaring magbawas sila ng operation para noon mabawasan din  naman yung mga losses nila," she added.

Among the passengers sought for comment was a senior citizen, who said the proposed bus fare would trouble her finances, citing her already-low pension from the Social Security System (SSS).

"Kami, senior citizen, siyempte, mababawasan ulit 'yung pension namin. Mababa na nga 'yung pension namin sa SSS tapos magtataas pa lahat ng bilihin pati sasakyan," the elderly commuter said.

Prior to bus operators, a taxi group and transport network companies had also asked for fare hikes. —JST, GMA News