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Saturday, February 19, 2005
Fare hike on N. Luzon expressway route opposed
By Chris Navarro
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- "No to fare hikes in jeepneys, buses and FX taxis plying the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex)!"
This was the call of commuters in Pampanga and Bulacan as they expressed strong opposition to transport groups who are taking advantage of the increase in toll rates.
Jesus "Teng" Lim, secretary general of the Kilusan ng Malayang Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon (KMMGL), said FX taxis plying the Pulilan to San Fernando route via the Nlex have been arbitrarily overcharging their passengers and blaming the increase on the new toll rates.
From the previous P30 per passenger charge for a one-way trip, the FX rates have been raised to P40 per passenger. Each FX taxi carries 10 passengers for each single trip, so the FX drivers earn an additional P100 per trip. Toll charge for FX taxis increased from P11 to only P51 - a difference of P40.
With their arbitrary fare increase, FX taxis stand to earn an additional P60 per trip or an average of P600 more a day if they make ten round trips.
Public utility transports also enjoy frequent-user discounts offered by the Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC).
According to the MNTC, jeepneys can use a one-day pass where drivers pay P190 for a 24-hour unlimited pass within the Nlex open system. FX taxis are entitled to as much as 12 percent in rebates when they use and reload the value pass which can be used for both the open and closed systems.
Lim also said the new and improve Nlex has not only cut travel time by more than half but has likewise contributed to the fast delivery of their produce from the province going to Metro Manila.
A UP study also concluded that vehicles will save on operating and maintenance costs with the good road quality of the new expressway.
The KMMGL head said they will continue to monitor price increases by public transport groups using the NlEx.
The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Thursday said the fare increases by FX taxis and jeepneys are illegal and should be controlled by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
Before the rehabilitation of the Nlex, Lim noted that the trip to and from their locality was very risky, but with the new expressway, travel is now very safe and comfortable.
He requested that the new expressway management also gives frequent-user discounts like those provided for public transport.
(February 19, 2005 issue)
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