Starting March 21, pump boats plying between Buenavista, Guimaras and Iloilo City will charge their passengers higher fare as prices of petroleum products keep increasing.
The adjustment in the current fare from P40 to P45 was approved by Buenavista Mayor Eugenio Reyes and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) during a meeting.
The meeting was also attended by representatives of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and different transport groups.
The Buenavista Development Cooperative (BDC) sought a fare hike of P10 but was cut to P5.
Reyes said the original proposal would cause too much burden to passengers, especially those who travel back and forth to work every day.
“Gin-ayu naton nga kon pwede P45 lang kay ang problema ang aton commuters kay kadaku naman nga palas-anon kon P10,” Reyes said in an interview.
The mayor clarified that only pump boats managed by BDC will be allowed to implement the fare increase.
Other cooperatives have yet to submit their formal petitions before the maritime regulator. Their members will charge the existing P40 rate.Sheila Mae Supiter/IMT
Sheila Mae Supiter is an IMT NEWS intern. She is a 4th year journalism student at West Visayas State University in Iloilo City.
