Bus operators eye P4 fare hike amid rising fuel costs

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Manila bus operators are planning to raise the minimum fare by P4 as fuel prices continue to escalate. Bus groups want a minimum fare of P12 for ordinary buses and P14 for air-conditioned buses, said lawyer Vigor Mendoza, who represents transport groups. The Integrated Metro Bus Operators Association (IMBOA), Intercity Bus Operators Association, the Metro Manila Bus Operators Association, and North-East Manila Bus Operators Group are preparing to file the petition within the week, Mr. Mendoza said. But the IMBOA chief, Claire de la Fuente, said the plans are not yet final. Mr. Mendoza said bus groups are still discussing the rate for every succeeding kilometer after the first five kilometers covered by the minimum fare. The Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippines earlier said it was looking at amending its existing fare hike petition. From the initial request of an additional P1.60 per kilometer, provincial buses are looking at a rate of P1.80 per kilometer. Bus operators are following the lead of jeepney groups, which last week filed a petition to raise the minimum fare to P10. The current minimum jeepney fare is P8. The minimum fare covers the first four kilometers of a jeepney ride, after which jeepney operators want a P1.75 additional fare for every succeeding kilometer. The new petition takes the place of the group’s November petition, which seeks a P1.50 increase in minimum fare to P9, and an additional P1.25 for every succeeding kilometer. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board last month approved a 50-centavo provisional increase for the minimum fare in jeepneys. - Anna Barbara L. Lorenzo, BusinessWorld