DRIVERS from transport groups in Baguio City and the region are pushing to petition the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to increase the minimum fare following the hike of petroleum products.
Drivers in Baguio City back the proposed increase following the approval of minimum fare hike in the National Capital Region (NCR), and Regions III and IV which were filed by transport groups to cover expenses due to petroleum products increase in the market.
In the region, LTFRB-CAR OIC Robert Pocais said the last fare increase was in 2010 but their office has yet to receive petitions for another hike.
Pocais said one transport group in Baguio City has signified their intention to file a petition.
“Once the papers will be submitted in their office, with the filing fee, will be forwarded to the LTFRB central office for approval,” Pocais added.
Taxi driver Louis Boleyley Sr. is hopeful of another fare increase to augment their meager income due to increasing prices of fuel and automotive parts.
"Sana tumaas ang pamasahe dahil tumaas na rin ang krudo o di kaya ay matanggal sana yung P5.00 na deduction. Currently, for the flag down rate of taxi in the region is still P35 with a P5 deduction.
"Kapag tumaas ang gasolina, pabor ako na taasan din sana ang pamasahe," Jeepney driver Lito added. Currently, the regular fare for jeepneys in Baguio City is P8.50 for the regular and P6.75 for students and senior citizens.
Jenalyn Cagan, a regular commuter meanwhile said "dapat hindi bigla ang pagtaas ng pamasahe para hindi rin naman kami mabigla, dapat reasonable din para patas.
The LTFRB - CAR added if there is an increase of fare in the region it will undergo a process before approval in the central office.