PISTON files petition for P10 fare hike

Transport group PISTON on Monday filed a petition with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) seeking a P10 fare hike. 

According to Maki Pulido’s report in “24 Oras”, the proposed fare increase would spike the base fare for jeepneys from the present P13 to P23. 

“Ang layunin ay hindi para doon sa usapin na umangat ang buhay ng mga driver, kundi para maibsan yung mas malaking halagang nawala na kita ng ating mga driver,” said PISTON president Mody Floranda. 

(The goal is not about improving the lives of the drivers, but rather to alleviate the significant amount of income already lost by our drivers.) 

It can be recalled that the LTFRB earlier approved the P1 fare hike for traditional jeepneys.

Marcos cited that it’s important to cater to the needs of commuters who are taking public transportation. 

While commuters understand the plight of the drivers, the fare increase could be a burden for them. 

“Sa akin naman po, kahit papaano nagdadag naman kami ng pamasahe, kumbaga hindi na kami naghihingi ng sukli…Pero minsan talaga kulang-kulang talaga kami. Gipit din talaga,” said Cresenta Ortega. 

(For my part, we do add a bit to the fare somehow, as in we no longer ask for change... But sometimes we really are short of money. We are also really in a tight spot.) 

“May kabigatan pero natural lang talaga, natural lang na magtaas sila. Nakakaawa rin yung mga driver na bumabiyahe. At least may masasakyan,” said fellow commuter Manny Soriano. 

(It’s a bit heavy on the pocket but it’s only natural, it’s only natural for them to raise fares. I also feel bad for the drivers who are out on the road. At least there is a ride available.) 

GMA News has reached out to the LTFRB for comment. 

But President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. later ordered the Department of Transportation to suspend the implementation that was supposed to take effect on March 19. 

Marcos cited that it’s important to cater to the needs of commuters who are taking public transportation. 

Fuel firms announced major cuts in pump prices this week. Estimated reductions in the retail prices of diesel is between P24 to P26 per liter, and P2.50 to P3.50 per liter for gasoline. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/RSJ/RF, GMA News