Council sets public hearing on ferryboat fare reduction

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council has invited the members of Visayan Association of Ferryboat and Coastwise Service Operators and officials of Maritime Industry Authority to appear in a public hearing on February 20 to discuss fare reduction for passenger and cargo.

City Councilor Nestor Archival said some shipping companies have not implemented fare reduction even if fuel prices have dropped. Archival, chairman of council committee on transportation and utilities, said that the continued decline of the oil prices in the local and international market should trigger a reduction in fare rates.

Some shipping companies said there are a lot of factors to consider before adjusting their fares.

“Wala pa man ta kahibaw sa reasons sa shipping companies kun unsay laing factor nga maka-trigger sa pag-reduce sa plete and we know nga most shipping companies are buying bunker fuels,” Archival said.

He said that MARINA has been calling on the shipping companies to reduce their fares since fuel prices have steadily dropped.

Archival said that jeepney fares have already been adjusted following the fuel price rollback, adding that there is no reason for shipping companies to adopt the decrease.

“As reported in the Department of Energy official website, as of January 19, 2015, there has been a decrease of P1.45/liter for diesel and P1.25/liter for gasoline and kerosene,” the resolution read.

Starting February 1, MARINA reported that there are 17 shipping companies that have filed for fare reduction.

Archival said that the public hearing would serve as an appeal to other shipping firms that have not reduced their rates to follow suit.

“Dili pa man tanan ang nag-implement og reduction of fare gud, maong nindot mo-appear nalang sa public hearing para kita sa Council maka-take og interventions para sa benefit sa atong mga commuters,” he said.

He said that he is thankful to the shipping companies that have provided just and equitable passenger and cargo rates.

“It is but appropriate that the City Council, and more importantly the public should be apprised of the shipping companies’ reason prior so that the public will be aware thereof,” he said.  (FREEMAN)