Thursday, November 29, 2007 Editorial: Tackling fare hike petitions
THE demand of drivers groups and operators for an increase in minimum jeepney fare and the flag down rate of taxis has expectedly left wage earners worried, even angry.
After getting crumbs from the wage board in the form of a minimal increase in the minimum wage, workers face further reduction in their take-home pay with a fare hike.
Incidentally, upward adjustments in minimum wage and jeepney/taxi fare rely heavily on the action of government representatives in the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board and on agencies regulating the transport industry, respectively.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) thus has the unenviable task of giving justice to wage earners hit by the wage board’s failings.
Vested interest
This is not to say that LTFRB should junk petitions for fare hikes considering the rise in oil prices, the one compelling reason used by drivers and operators for their move.
But to also say that the petitions readied by drivers groups and taxi operators will place the common good above their own vested and selfish interests is wrong.
The issue is not only on whether or not a fare hike should be granted but also whether or not the amount demanded is excessive, if by chance a fare hike is granted.
Government’s role
There is thus a need for the riding public to present counter-arguments in public hearings that will be held for the purpose so discussion on the issue will be balanced.
Unlike drivers groups and taxi operators, however, the riding public is not organized, although there were attempts to set up such groups from time to time.
But where opposition to petitions for fare hikes is weak, concerned government agencies like the LTFRB should pick up the slack by objectively tackling fare hike calls.
Bottom line
The key there is to come up with an acceptable balance between the interest of drivers groups and taxi operators and that of the riding public or ordinary wage earners.
Meaning, the bottom line is that fare hikes should not be decided on who makes the most noise or who can bribe corrupt government officials but on actual need.
