TRANSPORT group PISTON has submitted a petition to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) seeking a substantial P10 increase in the base jeepney fare.
If approved, this would raise the current P13 fare to P23, a move the group argues is necessary to address the ongoing challenges faced by public transport operators.
This petition comes despite recent fuel price cuts announced by major oil companies.
The proposed fare hike by PISTON follows a previous LTFRB approval of a P1 increase for traditional jeepneys, which was subsequently ordered suspended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The President cited the need to prioritize the welfare of commuters, particularly those who rely heavily on public transportation. This earlier decision highlights the delicate balance the government aims to strike between supporting transport workers and easing the financial burden on the riding public.
While fuel firms have announced significant price reductions for diesel (estimated between P24 to P26 per liter) and gasoline (P2.50 to P3.50 per liter) this week, PISTON’s petition suggests that these cuts may not be sufficient to offset the cumulative impact of previous price hikes and other operational costs on jeepney drivers and operators.
The group’s push for a larger fare adjustment indicates persistent concerns about the economic viability of their operations within the current pricing structure.
metrosundaily
