Everyone’s feeling the pinch – more like a slap, really – of the continued fuel price increases in the country. Those who rely on the use of motor vehicles such as jeepneys to make a living don’t have much choice but to either cough up the gas money or end up grounding their PUJ (public utility jeepney).
Jeepney Fare Hike approved
Last night, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board seems to have heard their plight and approved a temporary fare hike starting today, June 9, 2022. Those who are “namamasada ng jeep” in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA will now charge a base or minimum fare of PHP 10.00. The approved provisional increase of PHP 1.00 is for the first 4 kilometers of travel. Thus far, no increase has been approved for the succeeding distance covered.
On the part of the PUJ drivers and operators, they must display the “notice of provisional fare increase” inside their vehicles. The LTFRB said that all PUJs, whether modern or traditional, that operate in the aforementioned areas must comply with this proviso. Only the four regions above are covered by the approved fare hike.
Transportation groups have been asking the franchising agency for help; which was previously denied. 1-UTAK Party-list Chairman Vigor Mendoza’s group had asked for a PHP 2.00 increase, but this week’s massive fuel price increase had prompted the approval of half that amount. For now, the PHP 10.00 minimum will bring an estimated additional daily income of PHP 300.00 for jeepney drivers. Despite this, the group wants to remind everyone that this is not enough to lessen the impact of the consistent fuel price increases.
Everyone needs a helping hand, more so the drivers of all public utility vehicles. As always, we’re all waiting, and we’re all watching.
