Transport

Transport fares

August 31, 2022 People's Tonight 329 views

IF transport fares are raised anew this month, blame it on the seemingly endless increases in the prices of diesel, gasoline and other petroleum products.

No less than the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has hinted the possibility of the agency coming out with the decision this month.

The LTFRB said there’s really a need to adjust transport fares because oil prices continue to spiral in the world market .

LTFRB Chair Cheloy Garafil had earlier said the agency would decide on a “reasonable” fare hike by the first week of September after the P1 increases to P10 in June and to P11 in July.

Admittedly, any transport fare hike at this time of economic hardship would surely hurt our commuters, mostly wage earners, students and people seeking the help of the government.

“Talagang tatamaan at lalong mahihirapan ang mga mananakay dahil hindi naman tumataas ang sahod ng mga manggagawa,” lamented a minimum wage earner in Sampaloc, Manila.

And the big question is, should the riding public solely bear the brunt of keeping our public utility vehicles, particularly buses and jeepneys, rolling to serve our commuters.

The government ought to absorb part of the burden in keeping with its mandate to provide basic social services to the Filipino people, majority of them are poor.

“Baka puwedeng bigyan na lang ng tulong pinansiyal ang mga drayber ng bus at jeep para hindi na nila itaas ang pamasahe,” said another ordinary daily wage earner.

In our view, our government officials, headed by President Marcos, have already demonstrated a capacity to uphold public interest even during trying times.

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