The operators and drivers of public utility jeepneys and transport network vehicle services (TNVS) on Thursday said a P1 fare increase is better than the government’s fuel subsidy.
Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines president Boy Vargas said while a fuel subsidy could help, it would only last a short time.
“I prefer more the P1 (increase) to cover the loss due to increase in the prices of dieasel. It (fuel may help but only for a few days, then no more,” he told the dzMM interview.
Earlier, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said a P1 increase in jeepney fares could be implemented in the first week of July in response to the continued rise in fuel prices.
The LTFRB later withheld its enforcement pending review and official recommendation from the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development.
“We will be glad if the P1 provisional increase will be given. We have been asking for it three years ago but it saddens us that as if the P1 (adjustment) will no longer be given and even the fuel subsidy,” Vargas said.
He lamented they have been suffering too much amid the unabated increases in pump prices.
