Jeepney drivers say fare hike ‘better than nothing’

DAVAO CITY, Philippines - The implementation of the provisional increase in transport fares was orderly in Mindanao’s urban centers despite complaints from commuters. In this city, the adjusted jeepney fare was welcomed by operators and drivers because "[it] will be a great help to us," said Manuel Duran, president of the Southeastern Mindanao Operators and Drivers Association. The minimum fare here is now P7.50 for the first four kilometers from the previous P7. Mr. Duran said the fare increase "is better than nothing and the good thing is that operators and drivers are not required to secure a fare matrix," a usual burden to drivers whenever a fare increase is imposed. Many commuters were surprised with the sudden adjustment but drivers did not force all passengers to pay the new rate. May L. Faco, who takes the jeepney from Panacan, about 15 kilometers from where she works, said the additional P0.50 is not as burdensome as expected. However, Ms. Faco feared the fare hike "might trigger increases in prices of basic commodities." The same remarks were heard in Cagayan de Oro City where militant transport groups are also active. "We can’t do anything about it. The increase is minimal anyway," said Honey P. Tinaan, a daily commuter. "We also have to think of the drivers since gasoline prices have increased," said Sheena D. Reyes, a pharmacist. Edward I.Calderon, a jeepney driver, said while the provisional increase in fare is okay, it is small and would not make much impact amid the increasing price of diesel. The minimum fare in the city now stands at P7 from the previous P6.50 for the first four kilometers. In Koronadal City, the higher fare was considered additional burden to passengers but still not enough for drivers. Eduardo Dastas, Jr., a carpenter with five dependents including his jobless wife, said the P50 charged by non-air-conditioned buses from Koronadal to General Santos City is already too much for laborers like him. Based on the provisional fare increase, ordinary buses will implement a 10-centavo increase per kilometer and 25-centavo more per kilometer for air-conditioned buses. Koronadal to GenSan is about 60 kilometers and an estimated P6 would be added to the non-air-conditioned bus rates. "Many people like me have already been complaining on the P50 fare rate. How much more now with the increase? It’s an additional burden," Mr. Dastas said in the vernacular. Roy Mesa, chairperson of the militant transport group Kadena, said the increase is not sufficient to end drivers’ miseries. The adjusted fare, however, failed to take effect in Zamboanga City. "We have not yet implemented the P0.50 increase. We have to wait for the implementing guidelines [from the government]," said Eduardo M. Mingala, president of Federation of Land Transportation Associations of Zamboanga. He said group’s members do not want problems with the riding public should the adjustment be implemented without the fare matrix. The group is still seeking an P8 minimum fare from the current P6.50 per passenger charge, and fuel subsidy. The provisional increase also means the minimum jeepney fare in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog will rise to P8, while that for buses will increase to P9 from P8. Ordinary provincial buses will implement a 10-centavo increase per kilometer while air-conditioned buses were allowed to collect 25 centavos more per kilometer. The government, Transport Secretary Leandro R. Mendoza said, had acknowledged the transport sector’s need for relief from higher fuel prices. On Monday, he overruled the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, saying that other options had to be considered. As a long-term solution to rising fuel prices, the Department of Energy is proposing to put up a fund to finance public utility vehicles’ switch to compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas, instead of giving a fuel subsidy to drivers. - BusinessWorld - Mindanao Bureau