Transport group seeks temporary jeepney fare hike

A transportation group has appealed for a temporary increase in the minimum jeepney fare while their petition for a fare hike is still pending with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

In Joseph Morong’s Wednesday report on “24 Oras,” the Alliance of Transport Operators' & Drivers' Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP) sought to implement a one peso to two-peso provisional fare hike until price per liter of diesel is lower.

ALTODAP president Boy Vargas said once diesel prices have gone down, they will automatically revert back to the initial minimum fare.

Three transportation groups have filed a petition before the LTFRB to increase the minimum jeepney fare by P5 and an additional P2 per kilometer.

The petition was filed because jeepney drivers lost their income due to the increase in diesel prices.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (FEJODAP) filed a similar petition but withdrew it today.

“Nararamdaman naman namin kaya lang eh inuuna natin kapakanan ng mamamayan. Hintayin ang natin kung tumaas pa ang diesel, magpa-file din kami ng petition,” FEJODAP national president Deo Sotto.

(We feel the effects of the increases in diesel prices but we prioritize the well-being of commuters. If diesel prices still further go up, we will file a petition.)

Some commuters oppose the fare hike, while another commuter said a jeepney fare hike is better than paying for a taxi, which costs more.

The LTFRB said the decision on the petition for fare hike will most likely come out by April since commuters nationwide have to be consulted and the needs of jeepney drivers are to be considered.

If the LTFRB approves the petition, it will coincide with the LRT1 fare hike, which will take effect on April 2.

LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said jeepney drivers received a P10,000 fuel subsidy due to the increase in fuel products in August 2024.

According to the Department of Budget and Management, P2.5 billion was allocated for the fuel subsidy this year.

Operators and drivers of ride-hailing apps also filed a petition for a P25 increase in their flag-down rate and an additional P3 per kilometer. The petition is also pending with the LTFRB. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA Integrated News