Many jeepney drivers in Pangasinan have reduced their trips and now operate only during peak hours as rising fuel prices cut into their daily earnings, prompting some to appeal to commuters to “keep the change” as voluntary support.

About half of the more than 80 members of the Gueset Tondaligan Transport Service Cooperative are now rarely on the road, choosing to run only during busy hours to save on fuel costs.

“Halos ‘yung mga operator, driver, operator, ang ginagawa lang nila is lalabas na lang sila during peak hour na lang,” Romeo Narvasa, chairman of the cooperative, said.

Morning peak hours run from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., while afternoon trips usually begin around 4 p.m. Drivers said this setup reduces competition for passengers and helps them earn more despite fewer trips.

Fuel expenses have sharply increased, with drivers now spending up to ₱1,600 a day on diesel, compared to ₱900 to ₱1,000 before.

Daily earnings have also dropped. Drivers who used to take home up to ₱800 now consider it lucky to earn ₱400.

For 57-year-old driver Bong Calimquim, income barely covers expenses.

“P550 pa lang. Tapos ‘yung diesel mo dun P400. Eh, di may P150. Nag-almusal ako diyan, P70. ‘Yung boundary pa,” he said.

Transport groups are calling on the government to remove fuel taxes to ease the burden on drivers.

They are also asking commuters for small voluntary help by letting go of loose change.

“Kung maaari po, ‘yung mga sukli nila na dalawang piso, isang piso. Kung maaari, kahit barya lang ‘yun kung naipon, at least makakatulong,” Narvasa said.

He clarified that the appeal is not mandatory but depends on the willingness of passengers.

Over the weekend, the local government distributed rice and food packs to drivers to help them cope with the ongoing crisis.