Traditional jeepney drivers in Mangaldan are facing financial difficulties as fewer passengers choose their vehicles over modern jeepneys, especially during the hottest hours of the day.

To avoid extreme heat, many drivers limit their trips between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., further reducing their income. They are now hoping for an approved fare increase to ease their burden.

“Dati pa rin ang pasahe, P29 sa estudyante, P35 sa regular. Kinakaya naman namin, tiis lang talaga,” Roberto Austria, a jeepney driver, said.

However, the fare hike petition filed by the One Pangasinan Transport Federation (OPTF) has yet to move forward at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

“Tungkol sa petition, hindi pa nadidinig sa LTFRB. Ang sabi nga ni Chairman (Teofilo) Jojo Guadiz, hindi stable ang presyo ng krudo, minsan tataas, minsan bababa, so doon sila nagbabase,” OPTF President Bernard Tuliao said.

Despite the challenge, fuel subsidies from the government provide temporary relief. But if diesel prices exceed P60 per liter, transport groups say the government must take action.

LTFRB Region 1, meanwhile, continues discussions with different transport groups in the region.

“Wala pa naman tayong naririnig sa mga cooperative, so as is ang ating pamasahe po,” LTFRB Region 1 Director Cristal Sibayan said.

For now, jeepney drivers in Pangasinan remain hopeful that their plea for a fare adjustment will soon be addressed.