Cebu operators, drivers insist on P9 PUJ fare

Cebu transport groups insisted that  jeepney  fares start at  P9  to cope with the rising cost of fuel and vehicle maintenance.

The Cebu Integrated Transport Services Cooperative stood by its  petition for a  P1.50 fare rate increase in a public hearing held yesterday at the Cebu Normal University.

A P.50 provisional increase  was earlier allowed by the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) while the petition is being decided.

The new fare rate was supported by the Alliance of Transport Organization Member Intra Cebu (ATOMIC), which showed a comparative computation of a driver’s daily income.

ATOMIC, which claims a 3,000 strong membership of drivers and operators in Metro Cebu, said the average driver spends P2,179.80 a day on diesel, vehicle rental, meals, and car washing.

With the current P7.50 jeepney  minimum fare,  drivers earn only P2,025 a day  and incur a loss of  P154.80 daily.

More than 70 persons attended the public hearing, the first one held outside the LTFRB office said LTFRB  Regional Director Ahmed Cuizon.  He said only 10  attended the last fare rate increase hearings in 2008 and 2009.

In their amended petition last March 15, CITRASCO cited anew the rising prices of fuel and spare parts as the reason for asking a P1.50 fare increase. Some labor groups and commuters supported the fare adjustment.

The Consumers Rights for Economic Welfare (CREW Inc.) opposed the fare rate increase, which would have a domino effect on prices of basic goods and salaries of workers. Results of  the hearing will be sent to their central office in Manila for deliberation. Correspondent Jessa Chrisna Marie J. Agua