LOCAL jeepney operators and drivers sought understanding of public on the pending increase of fare from P8.50 to P14.

Baguio and Benguet’s transport sector have earlier filed a petition to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) central office to increase the minimum fare.

"We sincerely pray that the LTFRB will take into consideration the present situation that we, jeepney drivers and operators, are in and we hope that the public would understand why we are asking for this fare increase," Reynardo Bacoco, president of the Lourdes-Dominican Jeepney Association said.

Bacoco added it had been sometime since an increase in fare has been implemented in Baguio and Benguet and now is the opportune time to request for an increase.

"This timely request is also a reaction prior to the implementation of the modernization program of the present administration," Bacoco said.

In the petition the group filed on April 14, minimum fare will be set to P14 for the first four kilometers and P2.00 for every succeeding kilometer.

"We also need to consider the terrain in our area and the wear and tear in maintaining our jeepneys aside from the present cost of fuel in our area. However, our jeepney transport organization will abide by any decision the LTFRB central office would sanction us," Bacoco stated.

The amount was based on the computation of transport operators, considering the continuing increases in fuel, spare parts, and other supplies.

The petitioners were given 10 days from the hearing to submit additional documentary evidence to strengthen their claim for an increase.

Lawyer Jessie Balagot of the Regional LTFRB Office added an additional five days will be given to the oppositions to file for a motion for another hearing.