BALACJODA petitions for P12 jeepney fare hike

CEBU, Philippines — The Basak Lapu-Lapu City Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (BALACJODA) filed an amended fare hike petition before the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board-7, asking for an increase of P12 to the minimum fare for public utility jeepneys (PUJs) in Central Visayas.

Alexander Dometita, BALACJODA president, in their three page petition, said that they are amending their previous fare hike petition of P1.50 fare increase amidst the rising cost of fuel and with the implementation of the Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.

Should LTFRB approve the petition, the minimum fare will increase to P18.50 from the current P6.50.

BALACJODA prayed that LTFRB will approve its amended petition in the interest of justice and fairness.

It added that labor groups have already been granted an increase of P13 in minimum wages last year, while the take-home pay for drivers remains below the minimum wage.

"That immediate economic relief must be extended to the drivers and operators by increasing the PUJ fare P12  to augment their daily income," the petition reads.

The Cebu Integrated Transport Service Multi-purpose Cooperative (CITRASCO), the biggest transport cooperative in the Visayas, has also expressed intent to increase minimum fare for PUJs by P6. (FREEMAN)