Jeepney drivers to petition hike in minimum fare to P12

Jeepney operators and drivers are set to file a petition for a P3 increase in the minimum fare, citing the continuous increase in pump prices of petroleum products.

According to Pasang Masda, jeepney operators are seeking a hike in the minimum fare from the current P9 to P12, amid an impending big-time fuel price hike later this week.

“Kung ang presyo na ng ating produktong petrolyo ay tuluyang magpapatuloy pang magpapapataas,” Pasang Masda National Vice President Jojo Martin said in a report on GMA’s “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday.

(If prices of petroleum products continue to to rise [we will seek for a fare hike.])

Latest data from the Department of Energy (DOE) indicate that year-to-date adjustments stand at a total net increase of P16.55 per liter for gasoline, P15.00 per liter for diesel, and P12.74 per kerosene as of October 5, 2021.

“Wala namang ginagawang tulong sa amin ang gobyerno. Humihingi ako ng pasensya sa lahat ng mananakay ng jeepney. Kawawang-kawawa na rin ‘yung aming mga tsuper,” Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP) National President Boy Vargas said in the same report.

(The government is not helping us. I seek patience from the commuting public. Our drivers are in a glum state.)

The groups noted, however, that they are open to retaining the fare should prices be rolled back or the government provides fuel subsidies.

GMA News Online is still trying to reach out to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for comment on the matter. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/DVM, GMA News