AFTER jeepney operators were granted a P0.50 provisional increase in fare rates, taxi operators are now asking for their own fare increase.
Taxi operators are asking for a P10 additional flag down increase, saying the unabated increase in gasoline and diesel prices could no longer be borne by them.
They filed their petition to increase the rate with the local Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) last June 17.
The LFTRB will hear the sides of the operators and commuters on July 18 at 2 p.m. at the LTFRB regional office in Pacdal.
According to the petition, the earnings of the drivers dwindled, to as low as P100 to P200 a day and the fixed boundary for operators had also been affected by the continuous increase of maintenance cost. They added that it is no longer enough for the basic needs of their family.
“The economic condition of the drivers and operators had now become so unacceptable such that an immediate relief by granting the provisional increases soon is now an unavoidable situation,” the petition added.
The last time taxi rates were adjusted was in December 2004. Then, the LTFRB granted P25 flag down for the first 400 meters and P1.50 for the succeeding 200 meters.
According to the petitioners, the last fare adjustment was the lowest in the country. In other areas, the flag down was pegged at P30 for the first 400 meters and P2.50 on the succeeding 200 meters was approved.
Last May 18, a probationary fare increase was approved granting buses and public utility jeepneys (PUJs) a probationary increase of fare. Taxi services were not included in the memorandum in the probationary fare increase.
By Lea M. Ramos and Jake T. Bautista
