Some service contracting jeepneys not granting 20% fare discount —MANIBELA

Some jeepneys participating in the government’s service contracting program are allegedly not granting the mandated 20% fare discount to passengers, according to transport group MANIBELA on Wednesday.

MANIBELA chairperson Mar Valbuena told Super Radyo dzBB in an interview that passengers complained some units did not even display tarpaulins indicating the discounted fares.

“Ang sabi sa amin kahapon ng mga pasahero, kasama itong ruta na ito sa service contracting program pero hindi daw po nila inilagay yung mga tarpaulin kaya hindi sila nabibigyan ng discount,” Valbuena said.

(Passengers told us yesterday that this route is included in the service contracting program, but they said the tarpaulins were not displayed, so they weren't given a discount.)

Valbuena said MANIBELA flagged several jeepneys and urged operators to properly post signage so commuters would know they are entitled to discounts.

Some operators reportedly reasoned that tarpaulins were removed due to engine overheating concerns, but Valbuena expressed doubt over the explanation.

The MANIBELA chair also cited concerns raised by some drivers that only 40% of payments under the program go to drivers and operators, while 60% allegedly goes to cooperatives. 

He called on authorities including the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to clarify the matter.

Aside from these, Valbuena said some drivers expressed dissatisfaction with the rates under the service contracting program, which reportedly range from P30 to P40 per kilometer. 

He proposed increasing the payments to P50 to P60 per kilometer.

Valbuena attributed the low participation in the service contracting program to financial concerns and route limitations.

According to him, drivers need to cover at least 100 kilometers daily to earn adequately, but this is not feasible for shorter routes. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA News