LTFRB-approved fare hike for jeepneys, taxis earns mixed reactions

MANILA, Philippines - Beginning third week of February, commuters have to pay a minimum fare of P8 to jeepney drivers and a base far of P40 to taxi drivers in Regions 3, 4 and the National Capital region (NCR). The provisional fare hike was granted by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday, February 6.

LTFRB-approved fare hike for jeepneys, taxis earns mixed reactions

According to LTFRB chairman ASec. Martin Delgra III, they allowed the fare hike following their meeting with transport groups ACTO, Fejodap, Pasang Masada and ITap. The groups had been appealing for an increase in profit due to increasing fuel prices and cost of living since last year.

“They sought for an increase (from) P7 to P8 but they are also seeking for an increase on the succeeding (rate) per kilometer, since their basis is diesel cost. So, the board provisionally granted the increase from P7 to P8 for the first four kilometers of PUJs,” Delgra explained.

Jeepney drivers and operators may start charging the said rate 15 days after their order. The order must be published in a newspaper of nationwide circulation.

Discounts should still be given to senior citizens as well as persons with disability, according to the agency.

Netizens were quick to express their reactions on the fare hike. As expected, many were disappointed on LTFRB’s approval of the provisional fare hike.

Yan na nanaman, .. Nagtaas nanaman... Alam ba ng mga taga LTFRB na pagbumaba ang pamasahe hindi pa rin ito ginagawa dito sa taguig to pasay... Madaling magtaas mahirap ng ibalik ang tamang FARE,” Jonas Balsamo wrote.

Surprisingly, several netizens approved LTFRB’s move, saying that commuters should also consider that jeepney and taxi drivers have families to support.

Daina Alarcos wrote: “May mga pamilya din nman kasi mga jeepney driver na yan..petrolyo lang naman bumababa tumataas..pero ang mga grocery at pagkain na binibili sa palengke di yan bumababa. May mga anak din naman yan.”

Sa mga galit sa pisong pag taas nang pamasahe nasa inyo ang disisyon kung ayaw nyo nyan wag kayo sumakay nang jeep napaka simple nang buhay kung ayaw mo layuan mo pero kung na iintindihan mo sila ipag papasalamat ko na may taong higit nakaka unawa sa mga driver na nag titiis nang mainit na makina pa may ipakain sa mga anak at ihatid kayo sa kanya kanya nyong distinayon,” Lion Adonis commented.

“Di lang naman diesel na petrolyo kelangang i-consider eh, syempre may mga pyesa rin. Piso lang naman hinihiling ng mga kababayan nating tsuper. Kayo kaya magmaneho ng manual transmission sa buong magdamag. Baka di lang piso hilingin niyo,” Kaloy Mallorca said.

With the increase in fare and growing traffic and pollution problem in the Philippines, some netizens suggested the use of bicycles as the main mode of transportation.

Bisikleta na lang tulad sa china... Bawasan mga jeepney, rush hour lang naman yan puno parami ng parami tao, parami din mga jeepney at pribadong sasakyan yun pa rin ang laki ng kalye sinasakop pa kadalasan ng mga nagtitinda kaya lagi traffic o double parking. Kung hindi rin naman kalayuan pupuntahan ipatupad na bisikleta na lang tulad sa ibang bansa kahit malayo nilalakad lang o bisikleta mahusay pa sa kalusugan at iwas traffic iwas gastos at iwas polusyon dagdag pa nagkalat na walang mga pasahero na tricycle,” a certain Dogan Rahil suggested.

--Mini, The Summit Express



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