Gatchalian wants P1 jeepney fare hike to expire at year-end

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian wants the P1 jeepney fare increase to expire at the end of the year to “balance the interests” of drivers and commuters, he said in a statement on Saturday.

“I propose that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) add a sunset provision to its approved P1 increase of jeepney fares,” he said.

“My recommendation is to make the fare increase automatically expire at the end of the year, with the option to extend for another three to six months should oil prices remain high,” Gatchalian added.

On Friday, the LTFRB issued its order approving the fare hike which pegged the minimum jeepney fare from P8 to P9. Minimum fare applies to the first four kilometers of the jeepney ride. The fare for the additional kilometers however remains the same, the LTFRB said.

READ: P9 jeepney minimum fare starts July 6

“Safeguards must be put in place to balance the interests of PUV (Public Utility Vehicles) drivers and the commuting public while fuel prices remain high,” Gatchalian said.

The senator also called on the Department of Finance and the Department of Transportation to review the Pantawid Pasada Program and determine if the P5,000 fuel subsidy is still enough to help jeepney drivers amid spiraling oil prices.  /muf