Some transport cooperatives in the First and Third District of Iloilo have reduced the number of jeepneys plying the streets, leaving commuters no other option but to wait in line longer.

In San Joaquin town, only 12 of 20 units traveled. In Miagao town, only 10 of 19 units hit the streets. In Tigbauan, only four units were fielded.

The seven units in Cabatuan town also suspended travel.

“Dahil talaga sa pagtaas ng (presyo) fuel nag-adjust kami sa biyahe. Kasi ang daily income nila, sa fuel lang napupunta,” said JV Genelazo, General Manager of the Alliance of Provincial Operators and Drivers Transport Cooperative (APODTC).

In Iloilo City, almost all transport groups reduced their number of jeepneys in the streets.

The Western Visayas Alliance of Transport Cooperatives and Corporations, Inc. (WVATCCI), for example, did not field 12 of its 28 units.

“Kun mamasada kami ng full, ang mangyayari niyan, ang PAO at driver hindi na natin mabayaran kasi ang ating kita sakto lang sa gasoline,” said Rizal Alido, President of WVATCCI.

According to the cooperative, the situation may continue while the petroleum products continue to go up.

The situation is also an added burden on commuters.

“Mahirap umuwi araw-araw kasi naghahabol ka ng oras, tapos aabutin ka pa ng gabi. Yan ang mahirap, malayo pa ang inuuwian ko,” said Neizelle Lasaleta, a commuter.

“Kung nagmamadali kang umuwi kasi may mga anak ka, magsasaing ka pa, hindi madali dahil yun nga, walang masyadong jeep na modernized na bumibiyahe,” said Katherine Yocogco, another commuter.