One could understand the reluctance of jeepney operators and drivers to support the 50-centavo fare reduction proposed by former Cebu City councilor Augustus Pe Jr.
“Magsinabtanay ta (Let’s understand each other). The public thinks we earn big profits. Drivers don’t have benefits compared to formal or informal employees,” said Rudy Laconza, chairman of the Alliance of Transport Organization Member Intra Cebu City (Atomic) during last Thursday’s public hearing on the jeepney fare reduction at the regional office of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
Granted that PUJ drivers don’t have SSS, Philcare coverage or 13th month pay, the riding public hopes that with the continued decline of fuel prices around the world for a good part of next year, jeepney operators and public utility vehicle (PUV) owners would set aside their petition for a fare rate increase.
Some transport groups, like Atomic, want to retain the current P7.50 fare rate even if jeepney drivers find it hard to give loose change or don’t even bother to return 50 centavos to passengers who pay P8 per ride.
Several commuters choose to pay P7 fare instead as drivers or conductors either openly complain or accept the coins with sullen resignation, looking as if they’ve been robbed.
It’s not a fair deal, either way with this broken fare rate.
If fuel prices go down further, a fare rate reduction is in order. The obligation to adjust in favor of the riding public may even be overdue.
What we can’t accept is further whining by PUV operators who have used the same criteria of fuel prices to secure fare increases in the past.
PUV operators can’t point to the prices of spare parts as the sole reason for continued refusal to lower fare rates.
It stretches credulity to hear how PUV operators may even continue to demand a P1 increase in fare on the pretext that the decline in fuel prices is temporary and may rise at any time.
That’s the kind of situation everyone wants to avoid.
World oil prices are volatile.
But this is the environment brought by a deregulated market, something militant transport groups want to change through their calls for the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law.
For now, the seesaw movement of oil prices should benefit both ends fairly.
Consumers are waiting for their turn to see relief, even if only temporary, as fuel prices inch down.
It’s about time.