The 1-United Transport Koalisyon on Friday filed a “rush-hour fare” petition before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, seeking a P1 additional jeepney fare for the first four kilometers in Metro Manila between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m., and between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., except on a Sunday and a national holiday.
In a four-page petition, 1-Utak national chairman Vigor Mendoza II urged Chairman Winston Ginez to consider his proposal.
“Public utility jeepneys during the rush-hour period incur higher operating cost compared to non-rush hour in terms of fuel consumption, wear-and-tear of the vehicle, longer working hours and driver’s fatigue. Accordingly, it is necessary to compensate the operator and driver for the higher cost of operations, and give incentive for the drivers to work during these stressful hours.”
If Uber Systems Inc. and GrabCar drivers have been allowed by the LTFRB to charge surge pricing during rush hours, why can’t the government allow jeepney operators and drivers to also impose an additional P1 rush-hour fare? he asked.
“In the same token in the exercise of their right to equal protection, PUJ operators and drivers must be treated in the same manner and be allowed to charge a rush-hour rate,” Mendoza’s petition read.
The transport leader said jeepney drivers deserve such fare hike not only in the National Capital Region, but also those in Regions 3 and 4.
“By analogy, if an employee is made to work overtime, he is paid an extra 25 percent of the base pay, 30 percent if work is required during his rest day, 10 percent for nighttime differential and 100 percent during holidays,” he pointed out.
“We propose a P1 additional fare for the first four kilometers during the rush-hour period as indicated above. This is just 14 percent of the current minimum fare of P7.”
Passengers could well afford the added P1 rush-hour fare, he said.