The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said there will be no fare hike for traditional and modern jeepneys as the government said it was not the right time for fare adjustments following the series of typhoons to hit the country and coming after a big-time rollback that lowered diesel prices.
“A fare hike will have a big impact on the economy as a whole, especially since many provinces are yet to recover from the effects of calamities such as the past earthquakes and typhoons,” Transportation acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said.
Transportation groups have been seeking a P1 to P2 fare hike from the current P13 minimum fare for traditional jeepneys and the P15 minimum fare for modern jeepneys.
A study by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development showed that a P1 to P2 base fare hike for jeepneys would increase the country’s inflation rate in the next two years.
Aside from affecting commuters, he said the fare hike would also affect the prices of basic goods.
On the other hand, LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza said five regions, including three of the most populous regions in the country, are against a fare hike.
These include Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, Central Visayas and Metro Manila.
A study by the LTFRB and dialogues held with transport groups also showed PUV operators are having second thoughts about a fare hike, Mendoza said.
To help ensure sufficient earnings for PUV drivers and operators, the DOTr and the LTFRB, in partnership with the Department of Justice and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, created the Anti-Colorum Task Force to go after individuals and groups behind unregistered or “colorum” PUVs.
According to a study by the LTFRB, as much as 30 percent of legitimate PUV drivers and operators are taken away by colorum PUVs.
“We will chase and catch everyone involved in these illegal operations. The DOTr and the LTFRB will not stop in our pursuit for the sake of legitimate PUV drivers and commuters who rely on them,” Lopez said.
Mendoza also called on unregistered PUVs, particularly unregistered transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers and operators, to make use of the 17,000 registration slots available for TNVS.
“This is your chance to turn your back to illegal activities. We assure you there will be a fair and quick process. This is better than living in fear of getting caught, jailed, and fined,” he said.
On Thursday, Transport group Manibela threatened to stage a nationwide transport strike from December 9 (Tuesday) to 11 (Thursday) over excessive penalties and slow processing of documents.
“Next week, we will conduct a three-day transport holiday,” Manibela president Mar Valbuena said.
Valbuena lamented that authorities continue to require drivers and operators of unconsolidated public utility vehicles to secure provisional authority.
