Negros Oriental Rep. Manuel Iway, a former board member of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board, is seeking an inquiry into the latest 50-centavo increase in jeepney fares in the National Capital Region, questioning its rationale. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–What’s so special about Metro Manila jeepneys?
A lawmaker and former transport official is seeking an inquiry into the latest 50-centavo increase in jeepney fares in the National Capital Region, questioning its rationale.
Negros Oriental Rep. Manuel Iway, a former board member of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board, said jeepney operators in the Visayas and Mindanao actually faced higher expenditures for fuel and spare parts, and yet they were not that keen on demanding a fare increase.
It was only after the LTFRB granted the increase in the NCR and neighboring Regions 3 and 4 that operators from other parts of the country informed him that they would now consider asking for an adjustment as well.
“This might create a domino effect,” Iway warned.
He noted that diesel prices in the Visayas and Mindanao are P5 more expensive than that in Metro Manila, while spare parts for vehicles are also 15 to 20 percent more expensive in those two areas.
That the operators in those regions have not sought a fare increase “means they are still earning. In fact, some of them are even undercharging their passengers for longer trips,” according to the congressman.
The House should check if the fare increase in Metro Manila—set to take effect on June 14—was really warranted, he said, adding that he would file a resolution next week asking the committee on transportation to conduct an inquiry.
The LTFRB should have also checked whether the earnings of jeepney operators in the capital had really been taking a dive, he said.
LTFRB Chair Winston Ginez earlier maintained that in granting the increase, the board took into account the welfare of the general public as well as an analysis made by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) on the impact of the fare hike.
Citing diesel prices, the LTFRB said there was a need for a 37.9-centavo increase for the first four kilometers to enable jeepney operators to recover the additional expenses on fuel.
LTFRB raises standard jeepney fare to P8.50
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