Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 15) – After the approval of the temporary jeepney fare hike, bus operators are also calling for a fare increase to stay afloat amid surging fuel prices.
Three associations of bus operators filed a petition before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday, seeking a fare increase of between ₱0.30 to ₱0.50 per kilometer, depending on the type of bus.
The petitioners are the Southern Luzon Bus Operators Association, the Nagkakaisang Samahan ng Nangangasiwa ng Panlalawigang Bus sa Pilipinas, and Samahang Transport Operators ng Pilipinas Inc.
Alex Yague, executive director of the Nagkakaisang Samahan, said they are proposing that the fare for every succeeding kilometer be raised to ₱2.50 for “regular” air-conditioned buses, from the current ₱2.20.
They are also asking for a per-kilometer rate of ₱2.60 for “deluxe” buses; ₱2.70 for “super deluxe” ones which have a bathroom inside; and ₱3.60 for “luxury” buses which Yague noted have less than 30 seats.
“So basically, doon sa pandemic na rate na pinapatupad ngayon na ₱2.20, ang increase ay mga 30 centavos to 50 centavos depende sa type ng aircon bus,” he said.
[Translation: So basically, from the pandemic rate being implemented now which is ₱2.20 per succeeding kilometer, the increase would be around 30 to 50 centavos, depending on the type of aircon bus.]
Yague cited the need to cushion the impact of not only high fuel costs, but also more expensive toll fees, bus components, and PhilHealth contributions, among others. He also noted the recently implemented wage increases.
“Talagang mahihirapan ang mga operator. Wala naman kaming pagkukuhanan ng pang-abono,” he said.
“Kailangan mapag-aralan mabuti ng pamahalaan ito, ng mga LTFRB pati NEDA (National Economic and Development Authority), ano ang magandang maitutulong nila sa amin,” he said.
[Translation: Operators will really have a hard time. We don’t have the means to shoulder the costs first. The government, including the LTFRB and NEDA, has to carefully review what help they can give us.]
