A LOCAL transport leader said the proposed 50-centavo fare increase for public utility jeepneys (PUJs) in Western Visayas, including Negros Occidental, is a joke aimed to deceive drivers.
Diego Malacad, secretary-general of United Negros Drivers and Operators Center (Undoc), yesterday said they already received the notice of hearing from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region 6 on the recommendation for fare increase.
Malacad said the hearing, set in Iloilo City on March 13, is only an additional expense on the part of the government which cannot properly address the pressing problems of the transport sector.
“The move to implement a 50-centavo fare increase for PUJs is a waste of money and time for both the government and transport sector,” he said.
The 50-centavo increase will result to P7 fare for regular passengers and P5.50 for students, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and senior citizens.
Lawyer Jose Marie Lamparero, spokesperson and legal officer of LTFRB-6, had earlier said they have already conducted consultations with the transport groups in the region.
Lamparero said the steady increase in the pump prices of petroleum products prompted them to recommend a fare increase.
“The hearing will serve as opportunity for stakeholders to oppose or agree,” he said.
Parties opposing the fare increase recommendation must file their written opposition on or before the hearing schedule, Lamparero added.
The Negros-based transport group, however, is mulling not to attend the hearing.
For Undoc, filing an opposition will surely take time thus, it seems like a delaying tactic.
Malacad said the increase should be at least P1 for the first five kilometers, and another P0.40 for every succeeding kilometer.
He pointed out that the increase should not be based on the existing PUJ fares of P6.50 and P5, which were implemented through a provisional authority.
The LTFRB has to consider bringing back the permanent rates of P8 for regular passengers, and P7 for students, PWDs and senior citizens, Malacad added.
