400% fare hike due to PUV modernization ‘baseless’ - DOTr

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday dismissed the concerns on the reported possible fare increase for jeepneys due to the impact of the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP).

In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview, DOTr Undersecretary Timothy John Batan said fare increases have to undergo first the process of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

“Atin pong binibigyan ng paalala ang atin pong mga commuters, iyong mga naririnig po natin na magkakaroon po ng 300 to 400% na increase ay wala pong batayan at hindi po inaasahan ang ganiyang taas-pasahe sa consolidation at PUV Modernization Program,” Batan said.

(We are reminding our commuters that the reported possible fare increase of 300% to 400% is baseless and such a fare increase is not expected in the consolidation and PUV Modernization Program.)

Batan pointed out that previous fare increases ranged from only 1 to 2 pesos.

On Wednesday, commuters’ group PARA-Advocates for Inclusive Transport warned of a P50 minimum fare for modern jeepneys following the implementation of the government’s PUV modernization program.

“Meron tayong malaking cost ng modernization. Hindi lang ito yung unit, kasama rito yung garahe, fees sa paggagawa ng coop, pagha-hire ng mekaniko at marami pang iba,” the group’s convenor Edrich Samonte said.

(The modernization entails huge costs, not only for the modern jeepney units but also for the garage, cooperative fees, and hiring of mechanics, among others.)

“Ang basis po natin sa pagtaas ng pamasahe dahil kailangan pong magbayad ng operator ng utang. 'Yung driver po kailangang kumita ng sapat para may mapangkain,” he added.

(The basis for the minimum fare is the drivers and operators’ expenses for the PUVMP.)

Currently, the minimum fare is P13 for traditional jeepneys and P15 for modern jeepneys.

Earlier, non-profit organization IBON Foundation also reported a possible 400% increase in jeepney fares due to the PUVMP.

“The worsening privatization and corporatization threatens to raise jeepney fares by 300% to 400% over the next few years,” IBON said.

In response, Batan said the government will provide assistance to operators affected by the PUVMP.

Started in 2017, the PUVMP aims to replace jeepneys with vehicles that have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution and replace PUVs that are no longer roadworthy by Land Transportation Office standards.

Each unit costs over P2 million, an amount that even state-run banks LandBank and Development Bank of the Philippines said is too expensive for PUV drivers and operators.—RF, GMA Integrated News