Think tank warns jeep modernization to hike minimum fare to P20

A research group named after a leftist leader expressed fears on Monday that the government's public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) would hike the minimum fare in jeepneys from P8 to P20.

In a statement, Crispin Beltran Resource Center (CBBRC) said that it supported the nationwide strike of various transport groups against PUVMP, adding that compelling drivers and operators to sell their jeepneys and to buy "overpriced" units is "highway robbery being perpetrated by the Government to the poor who struggles daily to make ends meet."

"The 'modernization' of our PUVs is a veiled effort to allow foreign corporations and local oligarchs to take-over and monopolize public transportation for greater profits even if it means the further marginalization of drivers and small, independent operators," CBBRC said.

"We also fear that the phaseout of jeepneys will also add greater burden to commuters and passengers in the form of increased fare by as much as P20.00 from the current P8.00 as private corporations secure the returns on their investments," it added.

Based on their estimates, CBBRC drivers and operators would have to shell out as much as P30 million for the market capitalization and the purchase of 20 compliant vehicles that can amount to P1.6 million each.

Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) national president George San Mateo along with Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) chairman Elmer Labog also had the same sentiment saying that the modernization program will just bury drivers and operators in debt.

However, the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) had already assured the public that minimum jeepney fare will not even reach P15 once the modernization program is in full swing.

PISTON is holding a two-day strike beginning Monday to oppose the government's PUV modernization program which they claim is a jeepney phaseout plan that would require the purchase of newer, more expensive models.

Among the groups supporting this week's nationwide transport strike are Kadamay, Migrante, League of Filipino Students, and Kilusang Mayo Uno.

Malacañang has suspended government work and classes in all levels of both public and private schools nationwide on Monday, October 16 in lieu of the transport strike.

Meanwhile, CBBRC said that while they believe that "reforms" in public transportation is "very much needed," the government should still "reconsider its phase-out program and adopt a public transportation system that is nationalized, safe, efficient, and affordable for all." —NB, GMA News