With the fuel prices rising, it is understandable that many public utility providers, especially jeepney drivers, are clamoring for a fare hike. So recently, jeepney groups have proposed a Php 2 increase in the minimum fare, which the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has recently approved.
During the recent fuel price hikes, PUJs have been getting the short end of the stick [Photo: Yannes Kiefer]
In its seven-page order, the LTFRB ruled that the minimum fare for all traditional jeepneys for the first four kilometers has been increased up to Php 11. Meanwhile, modern public utility jeepneys (PUJ) now have their fares increased to a minimum of Php 13 for the first kilometers as well. The increase takes effect on Friday, July 1.
Be aware though, no additional fare will be added on the succeeding kilometers traveled for both traditional jeepneys and modern PUJs. The said fare hike is also effective nationwide, though PUJ drivers will need to display an updated fare matrix reflecting the fare hike.
Of note, senior citizens, differently abled persons, and students are still entitled to a discount of Php 2.2 in traditional jeepneys. In modern PUJs meanwhile, that discount is set at Php 2.6.
As we’ve said above, the Php 2 fare hike was filed by a number of transport groups. These include the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO), the 1-United Transport Koalisyon (1-Utak), the Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila & Suburbs Drivers Association Nationwide Inc. (PASANG MASDA), and the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP).
The petition was put forward by these groups to seek a reprieve for PUJ drivers from the continuously rising price of diesel, the primary fuel of traditional jeepneys.
Let's hope these fuel price fluctuations eventually calm down for all our sakes
To put this into perspective, the Department of Energy (DOE) has reported a whopping Php 32.35 increase in diesel prices in just two years. It said that the price of diesel already sits at Php 88.65 per liter as per the agency’s price monitoring as of June 21, 2022. Diesel prices of course, will vary depending on the fuel brand/provider.
The question now is, will the fare increase be enough for PUJ drivers to earn a living wage or will they need to file for another petition soon, as there seems to be no end to fuel price increases in sight? For more updates on this, as well as more news on the current fuel prices, keep it here on Philkotse.