The proposal to increase the minimum jeepney fare is “untimely,” according to a business group in Iloilo.
Iloilo Business Club (IBC) executive director Lea Lara said they understand the situation of jeepney drivers but the fare hike will be an added burden to employees who reports for duty only a few days a week.
The Iloilo City Loop Alliance of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (ICLAJODA) is seeking a P2.50 fare increase due to the rising fuel prices.
Lara said the business group wanted to know how ICLAJODA came up with the proposed P2.50 fare hike.
Currently, the minimum fare for public utility jeepneys (PUJs) is P9.
Meanwhile, Halley Alcarde, Western Visayas Transport Cooperative general manager, said they will submit their computation during the deliberation with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB-6) once their petition reached the agency.
Alcarde said they may lower the proposed hike depending on the result of the hearing.
The transport cooperative also sent a letter to Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi asking him to facilitate the grant of oil subsidies.
On Oct. 21, the Iloilo City Council’s Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities chaired by City Councilor Romel Duron held a consultative meeting regarding the proposed fare increase.
Duron said he will wait for a copy of the petition filed by the transport group to support the resolution he will file.
The resolution is seeking concerned government agencies like LTFRB, Department of Energy and Department of Transportation to find ways and address the concern of the transport sector.IMT/Photo by Ian Paul Cordero
