Davao transport group seeks hike in fare rates

DAVAO CITY, Philippines - A transport group in Davao City is seeking an increase in jeepney and tricycle fares following the increase in prices of gasoline and the rising cost of commodities. Manuel Duran, president of the Southeastern Mindanao Diversified Drivers-Operators Cooperative (Semddoc), said in an interview with Sun.Star that drivers and operators withstand the worst of the continuing increase in oil prices. But an official of the regional office of the Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Southern Mindanao said Wednesday that they have not received any petition from transport groups for an increase in fare rates. Edgar Violan, administrative officer of LTFRB Southern Mindanao, said Semddoc filed a petition in January this year, but withdrew this later on. According to Semddoc's proposed rate, the fare for the first four kilometers will be increased to P8.50, a P1.50 increase from the present P7 fare. The proposal also stated that the succeeding kilometers would be charged an additional P1.75, a P0.50 increase from the present P1.25. Duran cited the increase in oil prices and the increase in other commodities as their primary reasons for seeking the fare rate increase. Semddoc also said it would be joining the planned transport strike, which is still being organized right now by transport groups nationwide.- Sun.Star Davao