UV Express operators seek P2/km fare hike

A group of UV Express drivers and operators has asked the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to allow them to increase their fare by P2 per kilometer, GMA News' Bernadette Reyes reported on 24 Oras on Wednesday.

Lino Marable, president of Code X, said UV Express operators are bearing the weight of excise taxes on petroleum products under the recently-passed Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.

The group, composed of over 10,000 UV Express operators, also lamented the heavy traffic along with the price of new vehicles and spare parts.

"Dumating na po ang pagkakataon ng panahon na sukdulan na hindi na namin kayang i-shoulder ang pagtaas ng gasolina, ang pagtaas ng mga bagong asakyan, ng mga spare parts, at ang traffic po. 'Yan ang apat na dahilan kung bakit napilitan kami na mag-file ng petition for fate hike," Mirable said.

The LTFRB set a hearing on the fare hike petition on March 6, during which UV Express operators can voice their concerns.

An operator interviewed on the report said his expenses have eaten up nearly half of his daily P1,000 earnings.

"Nababawasan 'yung kita namin ngayon, ma'am. Kaya lang siyempre, kailangan sa pamilya namin, magtiyaga kami kahit na maliit ang kita na iuuwi," the driver said.

However, commuters interviewed said they would just consider different modes of transportation if ever the fare for UV Express is doubled.

"Kung saan mas mura, doon na lang kami sasakay," a passenger said.

Code X members who are taxi and tricycle operators are preparing separate petition for fare hike, the report added. —Margaret Claire Layug/KBK, GMA News