Modern jeep operators want P2 fare hike, P1 'rush hour rate'

Operators of modern jeepneys asked the Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to hike their minimum fare from P8 to P10, according to a 24 Oras report by Saleema Refran on Thursday.

In accordance to the government's PUV modernization program, modernized passenger jeeps run on a Euro 4 engine considered to be environment-friendly and fuel-efficient compared to that of older models.

Additional features installed to ensure passengers a safer and and more convenient commute include air conditioning, GPS navigation, a speed limiter, CCTV and dashboard cameras are also installed.

However, all jeepney operators are currently only allowed to charge passengers a minimum fare of P8 with an additional P1.50 for every succeeding kilometer.

A proposed fare hike, along with other matters concerning the modernization program, was discussed in a meeting between transport groups, the  Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday.

Operators of modernized jeeps asked the LTFRB to increase the minimum fare to P10 with additional P2 for every succeeding kilometer.

For air-conditioned units, a separate P12 minimum fare with another P2 for every succeeding kilometer.

Petitioners also asked for an additional P1 "rush hour" rate for trips between 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Claiming they spend more for the upgrade, petitioners interviewed on the report lamented that passengers can enjoy a ride on the new jeepneys for the same price as older passenger jeepneys.

"Medyo i-angat ng kaunti, kahit kaunti lang ho sa pamasahe kasi ang mamahal na po ng piesa ng mga ginagamit ho namin para safe ho ang mga pasahero namin," an operator said.

Lawyer Vigor Mendoza, who represented the petitioners, likened the proposed rush hour rate to the surge pricing granted to transport network companies (TNCs).

"Piso lang naman. 'Yung surge surge pricing ng TNC, doble, di ba? Eh dito, it's only one-eighth o one-tenth. Mga 10 porsyento lang talaga ang dinadagdag. May oras pa. Fixed time," Mendoza said.

LTFRB board member Atty. Aileen Lizada underscored the possible impact on the millions of commuters riding jeepneys everyday.

"Papakinggan naman ng gobyerno sila. But we have to be on the side of mga riders dito kasi we're talking about 3.5 to 3.7 million ridership ng mga jeepney and if kailangan may surge o rush hour rate ng P1," she said. — Margaret Claire Layug/BAP, GMA News