Metro Manila, provincial bus operators seek fare hike | ABS-CBN
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Metro Manila, provincial bus operators seek fare hike
Metro Manila, provincial bus operators seek fare hike
Passengers queue to ride the bus at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) in Parañaque City on March 27, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File
Passengers queue to ride the bus at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) in Parañaque City on March 27, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/FileMANILA -- Provincial and city bus operators in Metro Manila sought a fare increase from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday.
MANILA -- Provincial and city bus operators in Metro Manila sought a fare increase from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday.
During the hearing at the LTFRB office in Quezon City, the bus operators said the fare hike petition is meant to help them recover their costs amid volatile oil prices, higher tollway fees, and higher terminal fees in malls and transport hubs like the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange and One Ayala.
During the hearing at the LTFRB office in Quezon City, the bus operators said the fare hike petition is meant to help them recover their costs amid volatile oil prices, higher tollway fees, and higher terminal fees in malls and transport hubs like the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange and One Ayala.
“Dati libre lang yan pag pupunta kami. Ngayon yung PSI is asking for P35 per unit per entry and then P6,000 per month. If you are operating 10 (buses), that is P60,000 a month, aside from the everyday operation. Masakit sa amin yun,” said Mega Manila Consortium Corporation Spokesperson Juliet De Jesus.
“Dati libre lang yan pag pupunta kami. Ngayon yung PSI is asking for P35 per unit per entry and then P6,000 per month. If you are operating 10 (buses), that is P60,000 a month, aside from the everyday operation. Masakit sa amin yun,” said Mega Manila Consortium Corporation Spokesperson Juliet De Jesus.
She pointed out that wages have also increased since their last fare hike in 2022.
She pointed out that wages have also increased since their last fare hike in 2022.
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“Malaking effect yun kasi labor intensive kami. Marami kaming tao,” she said.
“Malaking effect yun kasi labor intensive kami. Marami kaming tao,” she said.
If granted, the base fare or the fare for the first five kilometers for ordinary city buses would go up by P2 from P13 pesos to 15 pesos, while the base fare for airconditioned buses would increase from P15 to P17
If granted, the base fare or the fare for the first five kilometers for ordinary city buses would go up by P2 from P13 pesos to 15 pesos, while the base fare for airconditioned buses would increase from P15 to P17
Fares for ordinary provincial buses would also increase by nearly P2.
Fares for ordinary provincial buses would also increase by nearly P2.
The group is also requesting an additional hike for succeeding kilometers.
The group is also requesting an additional hike for succeeding kilometers.
LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz said the board will have to study the petition first.
LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz said the board will have to study the petition first.
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“Ito ang ginagamit ng ating mga taga-probinsiya to bring their products here in Metro Manila or they ply their routes and bring their products. Any increase in the fare will definitely trigger an increase in basic commodities,” he said.
“Ito ang ginagamit ng ating mga taga-probinsiya to bring their products here in Metro Manila or they ply their routes and bring their products. Any increase in the fare will definitely trigger an increase in basic commodities,” he said.
The LTFRB plans to come out with a resolution for the fare hike petitions of both the bus and jeepney groups in 45 days.
The LTFRB plans to come out with a resolution for the fare hike petitions of both the bus and jeepney groups in 45 days.
And since the LTFRB also regulates bus terminals, Guadiz said the agency may also ask terminal operators to justify the increase in their charges.
And since the LTFRB also regulates bus terminals, Guadiz said the agency may also ask terminal operators to justify the increase in their charges.
Meanwhile, a commuter group said that it understands where bus operators are coming from in seeking higher fares.
Meanwhile, a commuter group said that it understands where bus operators are coming from in seeking higher fares.
It said the onus is now on the government to find ways to bring down oil prices, which would also arrest the increase in fares.
It said the onus is now on the government to find ways to bring down oil prices, which would also arrest the increase in fares.
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“Isa na rito yung executive order para ma-suspend ang taxes— ang VAT at excise tax sa langis. Isang pirma lang yun ni (President) Bongbong Marcos at magbababa ang presyo ng langis at titigil itong pagtaas ng presyo ng pamasahe,” said Para Convenor Nanoy Rafael.
“Isa na rito yung executive order para ma-suspend ang taxes— ang VAT at excise tax sa langis. Isang pirma lang yun ni (President) Bongbong Marcos at magbababa ang presyo ng langis at titigil itong pagtaas ng presyo ng pamasahe,” said Para Convenor Nanoy Rafael.
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