PUJs want P.50 fare increase

AFTER the taxi fare hike, public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers and operators are now pushing for a provisional P.50 fare increase citing the unending increase of oil prices.

"Dili man siya maundang ug taas, short ang arkila pirmi sa mga driver unya luoy pud mi mga operator (Oil prices never cease to increase and drivers can’t afford to pay the rent)," said Manuel Duran, president of Southern Mindanao Diversified Drivers and Operators Cooperative (SEMDDOC).

Duran said they are seeking the approval of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board because they are left with no choice with another looming oil price hike.

The plan for provisional fare hike will be surely pushed by Semddoc and other operators and drivers groups.

"Tama lang jud na magtaas na ang pamasahe sa karun kay naglisud na jud tawun mi (It is but right to increase the fare now, because it is very difficult for us)," said driver Roberto Kamaling.

When asked how much of the provisional fare hike would they prefer, most drivers like it to be P1 while some are amenable to the 50-centavo increase.

"Kinahanglan namu magpataas ug pamasahe, ang taxi ilang gitugutan kami pud unta maski bawion lang ang pagtaas kung moubos na ang gasoline puhon (The fare hike needs to be increased, taxi fare increased, we hope to be given the increase too, though it is just provisionary until oil prices will decrease)," said Juanito Colon, another PUJ driver. (Carmelle Marie Harrow)