Jeepney groups seek another fare hike, this time by P1

Five major jeepney groups will ask the government on Monday to again raise jeepney fares, this time by P1.

Efren de Luna, Philippine Confederation of Drivers’ Organizations-Alliance of Concerned Transport Operators national president, said he and leaders of four other jeepney associations have decided to file a "consolidated" petition for a fare hike before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

"Hinahanda na ng mga abugado namin," he said in a telephone interview yesterday. "Ito ang napagkasunduan namin."

De Luna said these are the same jeepney groups that asked the LTFRB for a P1.50 fare hike last February, which was approved last June.

The others are the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers’ Associations of the Philippines, the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytors Nationwde (PISTON), ALTODAP, and MJODA, he added.

De Luna said their principal consideration in asking for a P1 increase in jeepney fares is the rise in the price of diesel which has reached P21 a liter.

The P1.50 fare hike granted by the LTFRB last June was based on the P18 a liter price of diesel last February, he added.

Meanwhile, an association of bus operators is also studying whether to file a separate petition for an increase in bus fares.

"We are still discussing it," said Claire dela Fuente, Integrated Metro Manila Bus Operators Association spokeswoman.

Dela Fuente said asking for a fare hike for non-air-conditioned buses would entail changes in their petition to increase fares in air-conditioned buses pending before the LTFRB.

Although a fare hike petition for air-conditioned buses has been pending for more than two years, bus firms have already been collecting a P9 increase in fares. — Rainier Allan Ronda