Wednesday, May 28, 2008 Riding public accepts fare hike
SO FAR, no complaints were received on the recently imposed provisional fare increase in public utility vehicles.
Transportation Regional Director Federico Mandapat Jr. said the public might have accepted the fact that with the series of increases in crude oil in the world market, fares would normally have to increase.
Like passengers, drivers and operators also have families to feed, he said.
Despite the short notice, Mandapat said passengers were immediately alerted of the increase. Last Saturday, the P0.50 increase was added to the minimum fare of P7.50 for the first four kilometers.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) set at 10 a.m. Wednesday a hearing on the petition for increase filed by the local chapter of the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap).
The provisional increase last Saturday did not automatically adjust the rate beyond four kilometers. Some drivers however began imposing an increase for routes beyond four kilometers.
The minimum fare of P7.50 was increased to P8 and P6.50 from P6.00 for senior citizens, handicap and students.
The increase came following the series of oil price increases this year. (RO)
