Transport groups belittle looming P1 fare hike

Public transport groups on Saturday dismissed the proposed P1 fare increase for public utility vehicles (PUVs), saying it would do little to cushion the impact of an expected sharp increase in fuel prices next week.

According to a report by Bea Pinlac on "24 Oras Weekend," the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has recommended to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) the approval of a P1 increase in the minimum fare for PUVs following the anticipated spike in oil prices triggered by renewed tensions between the United States and Iran.

Oil industry sources said diesel prices could increase by as much as P11 per liter next week, while gasoline prices may go up by P4 per liter.

Mar Valbuena, national chairman of transport group Manibela, said the proposed fare adjustment was "long overdue" but remains insufficient given the projected increase in fuel costs.

"The fare increase is long overdue. We just want to survive this crisis. It is still not enough, but we will make do with it and hope we can somehow recover," Valbuena said in Filipino.

He earlier described the proposed increase as "too little" for drivers struggling with rising operating expenses.

"Piso lang itataas nila, balewala din 'yun. Kulang na kulang talaga 'yun sa mga driver," he said.

([The government is] only raising the fare by one peso, so it won’t make much of a difference. It’s far from enough for drivers.)

Jeepney driver Medardo Bien said nearly all of his earnings now go to diesel expenses.

"We're not earning anything. We're just exhausting ourselves. All our effort goes to waste," he said.

Another driver warned that more drivers could stop operating if fuel prices continue to climb.

"We might stop plying our routes because we're no longer earning. Some drivers may just look for other jobs because nothing is left to bring home to their families," he said.

LTFRB Chairperson Vigor Mendoza II said the fare hike recommendation had already been submitted to the DOTr.

The proposal was first endorsed after fighting broke out in March but was suspended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in consideration of commuters.

Mendoza said a P1 increase would still be manageable for passengers.

"If you compute the additional cost for a round trip, I think it remains well within what commuters can afford," he said.

Some commuters also expressed support for the proposal.

"It's okay if the fare increases by one peso because the jeepney drivers are the ones suffering," one commuter said.

Mendoza, however, acknowledged that the proposed increase alone would not be enough to offset the impact of soaring fuel prices.

He said the government is pushing to expand the P10-per-liter fuel discount program currently available to some public transport operators.

"We hope we can provide more subsidy through the P10-per-liter discount. We want to expand it beyond jeepneys and UV Express units to include taxis, TNVS, buses, and other public transport modes," Mendoza said.

Transport groups, however, said access to the fuel discount program remains limited.

"Not everyone can avail of it, and not all gasoline stations honor the discount. We hope more stations will participate and that there will be no discrimination," Valbuena said.

Pasang Masda president Obet Martin echoed the call, saying even in Metro Manila, only a limited number of fuel stations offer the discount.

"We're asking that it be expanded. Even here in the National Capital Region, not all gasoline stations provide the P10-per-liter discount," Martin said.

Mendoza said the LTFRB has identified around 1,900 strategically located gasoline stations nationwide that could be included in the expanded fuel discount program.

Meanwhile, Pasang Masda said it is studying whether to file a new petition seeking a higher fare increase should fuel prices continue to rise.—MCG, GMA News