Rollback in minimum jeepney fare sought

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—A lawmaker has joined consumer groups in petitioning the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for a rollback in the minimum fare of public utility jeepneys in Metro Manila, and Central and Southern Luzon.

Negros Oriental Rep. Manuel Iway asked the LTFRB to reduce the minimum fare from P8.50 to P8 for the first 4 kilometers and the succeeding kilometer rate from P1.50 to P1.40 to reflect the sharp drop in diesel prices since the fare hikes were made.

“Considering that diesel pump prices are already low, it is imperative that this honorable board protect the interest of the commuters by ordering a decrease in minimum fare immediately,” said Iway.

Iway noted that LTFRB approved the 50-centavo fare hike in jeepney fares last June based on a P44 per liter price of diesel. But Iway noted that diesel prices have since dropped by 16 percent to P37 per liter which should justify a rollback in jeepney fare.

Iway also pointed out that Cebu jeepney operators and drivers appeared to be thriving despite having a minimum fare of P8.

“In Region 7, most especially Cebu City, diesel pump prices are even higher than those sold in Metro Manila, by P4 to P5 per liter, and yet jeepney fares in Cebu City cost P8 for the first 4 kilometers. This is an admission that even with much higher pump prices for diesel and 12 to 20 percent higher cost of vehicle spare parts, operators in Cebu City can still earn a decent living,” said Iway in his petition.

Last Tuesday, the National Center for Commuter Safety and Protection filed a petition to roll back the minimum jeepney fare by P1.