Transport group calls for fare hike

MANILA, Philippines—A transport group is calling for a fresh round of fare hikes following the unabated hikes in the price of fuel since the start of the year.

In a statement, the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Altodap) said the 50-centavo hike in public transport fares were no longer enough to cover for higher expenses.

“Ang dating binigay noon sa diesel na P37 per liter ay ubos na sa patuloy na pagbulusok ng presyo ng langis (The P37 per liter for diesel could no longer hold due to the rising price of crude oil),” Altodap president Melencio Vargas said.

He said the price of diesel has been seen to hit P45 per liter this month. Vargas did not say yet when the group would file for a petition for a fare hike with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Passenger jeepneys charge a minimum of P8 for the first four kilometers.