Sun.Star: Jeepney drivers ask for fare hike in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines - First was the increase in the prices of rice, now even jeepney fares might also go up. And if this happens in Metro Manila, then neighboring regions will also follow. Recently, the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of Philippines (Fejodap) filed before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) a petition for a fare increase of P1.50. In the Cordillera region and nearby La Union, local Fejodap president Perfecto Itliong Jr said members of the federation will still meet to discuss if the P1.50 petition is sufficient. Itliong said, if members in the region feel the amount is not enough for Cordillera's more rugged terrain, a separate petition will be filed before the LTFRB. The local chapter is eyeing a P1.75 increase or P9.25 from current P7.50 minimum fare for the first four kilometers. The proposed fare increase is due to the increase in international prices of crude. It is expected that the price of a liter of gasoline could reach P50 as the week ends. Itliong also said the drivers are also feeling the pinch of the increase in the prices of basic commodities. "This is reason enough for them to ask for a higher minimum fare," he added. The cost of a kilo of National Food Authority (NFA) rice was pegged at P32, while commercial rice has reached P38 a kilo. Reports said local taxi drivers are also planning to file for an increase. From the current P25.00 flag down rate, this would reportedly be increased to P30. The last jeepney fare increase was in June 2007, and in 2005 for taxis. - Sun.Star