Several transport groups are seeking a ₱2 increase in the minimum public transportation fare, citing the continued rise in fuel prices and warning of a possible nationwide transport strike if their petition is not addressed.
MANIBELA said the previously proposed ₱1 fare increase is no longer sufficient because drivers and operators have yet to recover losses incurred over the past several months.
MANIBELA Chairperson Mar Valbuena said a ₱2 fare adjustment would provide better financial relief for drivers and operators facing higher operating costs caused by increasing petroleum prices.
ACTO President Libay de Luna also expressed support for raising the minimum fare, saying that while either a ₱1 or ₱2 increase would help, a higher adjustment would provide greater assistance to transport workers struggling with rising expenses.
Transport groups are now considering staging a nationwide transport strike should fuel prices continue to increase and their appeal remain unresolved.
According to the groups, an estimated 100,000 drivers and operators could participate in the proposed work stoppage.
A meeting between MANIBELA and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is scheduled for July 21 to discuss the petition for a fare increase.
The transport groups said the request for a fare adjustment is intended to help offset the growing cost of daily operations as fuel prices continue to climb.
The planned dialogue with the LTFRB is expected to determine the next steps regarding the fare hike petition. Meanwhile, transport groups said they remain prepared to push through with a nationwide strike if their concerns are not addressed.
The proposed fare increase and possible transport strike come as public utility vehicle drivers and operators continue to face rising operational expenses linked to higher fuel costs.
