Palace ‘hopes’ fare hike will deter planned transport strike

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday said it hoped the fare hike for public utility vehicles (PUVs) would discourage transport groups from pushing through with their planned strike.

The fare adjustments, which took effect Monday, were approved to help drivers cope with the continuing impact of the Middle East crisis. The minimum fare for traditional jeepneys increased from P13 to P14 for the first four kilometers, with an additional P2 for every succeeding kilometer.

READ: DOTr approves jeepney fare hikes effective Monday

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But the fare hike did not deter transport group Piston from pushing through with its planned transport strike and protests on Sept. 29 and 30, despite warnings that operators and drivers who participate in the strike could face penalties.

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In a statement, the group said the Marcos administration is afraid of the people’s “anger,” saying it was not quelled by the “insufficient fare hike and the measly wage increase in the National Capital Region.”

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro rejected the claim, saying the government has nothing to fear and is simply doing its job.

She reiterated that protesters have the right to voice their concerns and that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recognizes everyone’s right to speak and protest, as long as such actions remain within the bounds of the law.

Asked whether she expected the fare hike to at least pacify those planning to participate in the transport strike, Castro said she “hoped” it would.

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“They also need to see what the situation is and what the government is doing. The government has not neglected them, nor are they being blamed for what they are feeling,” the Palace official said.

“This government has never ignored the difficulties experienced by members and stakeholders in the transport sector. That is why they were among those prioritized to receive assistance, including the fuel subsidy,” she added.

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Castro also said the P12 fuel discount for jeepney and UV Express drivers would remain in effect alongside the fare hike.

Fare adjustments

Under the approved fare adjustments, the minimum fare for modern jeepneys will increase from P15 to P17, with an additional P2.40 for every succeeding kilometer.

Air-conditioned buses in Metro Manila will have a P3 fare increase, from P15 to P18, while ordinary buses will see a P2 increase, from P13 to P15.

READ: Palace on transport strike, fuel price increase: Fare hike is not the solution

Provincial bus fares, meanwhile, will increase by P1, from P11 to P12. Point-to-point buses will also see a 15-percent increase from their existing fares.

Airport taxis will also increase fares from P75 to P115 for the first five kilometers. Fares for succeeding kilometers will remain unchanged.

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Transport Network Vehicle Services will also have higher fares. The base fares will increase from P45 to P65 for sedans, P55 to P75 for AUVs/SUVs, P35 to P55 for hatchbacks, and P145 to P165 for premium vehicles. The pickup fare rate will be P15 per kilometer. /mcm