|
Thursday, March 13, 2003
Mixed reactions greet fare hike plan
THE proposed fare increase requested by groups of drivers of Motorcabs for Hire (MCH), locally known as pedicabs, is facing mixed reactions from the drivers themselves and the riding public.
Some MCH drivers are opposing the proposal while others want the increase.
Opposing groups said that increasing the minimum fare would discourage passengers from patronizing passenger tricycles.
"Mas mosamot na hinuon ang pagkalugi sa mga driver ug operators," drivers said.
Eugene Villana, operator and former president of the Makataong Organisasyon ng mga Tsuper at Operator (Moto) Negros-Dumaguete chapter, said that increasing the minimum fare is not the solution to the worsening economic problem.
"Kinsa man sab ang wala maglisud karong panahona?" he said adding, "Mas maayo pa man gani kita ang mga driver nga kugihan kay sa riding public nga nangempleyo lamang."
He explained that businessmen and workers receiving regular income do not need to patronize passenger tricycles because they have their own automobile and motorcycles.
Some passengers said MCH drivers should improve their services and change their attitudes before asking for any fare increase.
Many passengers accuse some drivers of arrogance and that many drivers refuse to convey a passenger bound for far destinations.
"Labi na'g rush hour, usa ka lang gani dili ka parahan, mamili'g pasahero (Specially during rush hour, if you're alone they don't stop. They pick passengers)," a passenger aired his sentiments over DYGB's public affairs program Monday morning.
MCH drivers said they need a 50-centavo fare increase to cushion the impact of the unpredictable increase in oil prices and petroleum products that is affecting their take-home income.
He stressed that while the prices of basic commodities are increasing, their minimum fare has remained at only P3.50 for the first one kilometer and another 50 centavos for every succeeding kilometer..
"Hinuon, dunay ubang pasahero nga dili na mangayo'g sukli sa ilang P4 pero obligado man gud ang driver nga mosukli kay P3.50 ra man ang gitugot sa balaod (Although there are passengers who don't ask for change anymore, but we are obligated to do that)," the driver said.
Some drivers urged the City Council to pass an ordinance amending the previous one that pegged the minimum fare for MCH at P3.50.
Control on the operation of MCH rests on the City Government and not with the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
The City Traffic Management Office (CTMO) said that it has yet to receive a petition for a fare hike from the city's two MCH federations, one headed by Barangay Kagawad Cesar Abrasaldo of Looc and Jeerap.
Danilo Atillo of the CTMO said the members of the different MCH route organizations in Dumaguete City are just waiting for the approval of their fare hike request.
Atillo warned MCH drivers against illegally collecting additional charges saying the petition must first be approved by the City Council through an ordinance and reviewed by the Provincial Board. VLC
(March 12, 2003 issue)
Want Sun.Star news on your mobile phone? Click here.
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
[ return
to top ]
[ home
]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
