MANY are raising their eyebrows after the transportation fare in tricycles and pedicabs in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte increased.
Passengers were shocked to learn that tricycles and pedicabs are already implementing the new fare matrix with the current oil price.
In a report from dxGM Super Radyo Davao, the minimum fare in Samal is now at P17 from the previous P8.
Prior to this, it was reported that the local government of Samal released a new fare matrix, in which the fare would depend on the oil price.
It was learned that if a liter of gasoline is at P25 to P30, the minimum fare is only P8, and every P5 increase in the price of gasoline per liter, a corresponding P1 increase will be implemented in the fare.
Currently, the price of gasoline per liter ranges from P71 to P75, so the minimum fare is P17.
Under the Samal City Ordinance No. 182, series of 2011, an increase of P1 will also be implemented per kilometer exceeding the minimum kilometer distance.
Operators who will not follow the new fare matrix will be penalized with P1,000 to P3,000 or cancellation of their permit to operate.
"Perte na bang mahala oy, magbaktas na lang me padung sa beach nga ligoan, enjoy pa uban sa mga barkada (It’s too expensive! I think we’ll just walk to the beach, it’s rather more enjoyable with friends)," said Nhul Jalali of Barangay Lapulapu, Agdao District, Davao City, who usually goes with friends to Samal for its beaches.
Meanwhile, several drivers in Samal island, albeit happy with this development, are also worried because petroleum and its products continue to rise. (With reports from Super Radyo Davao)