1-m distancing to trigger fare hike

By Jennifer P. Rendon

 

On the average, passenger jeepneys could sit around 16 persons, including 2 passengers in front, on padded, bench-type seats.

But with the one-meter physical distance rule in public transportation, jeepneys can only accommodate 6 to 8 persons on the back and one on the front.

Both the Land Transportation Office 6 (LTO-6) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board 6 (LTFRB-6) acknowledged that the policy will be a big blow to the already hurting public transport sector.

But LTO-6 regional director Eric Tabaldo (not Roland Ramos as earlier reported) said they are bent on implementing the one-meter physical distancing on public utility vehicles (PUVs).

But coupled with that implementation is the imminent granting of the probationary fare increase across the country.

“That would depend on the central office. But it would be uniform to all – be it in the National Capital Region or here,” Tabaldo said.

He said that the move might help “to ease the pain of the situation nga nagabawas pasahero sa salakyan.”

And how much will the fare hike be?

“We’re still not sure on the amount that would be approved but it could be around P15,” LTFRB-6 regional director Richard Osmeña said.

Currently, a passenger in Iloilo City will have to shell out a minimum of P10.

Recently, several transport groups have decided not to ply the streets because their daily income is enough to cover the fuel and the boundary fee.

“That’s why, we are helping and pushing that the probationary fare hike will be approved,” Osmeña said.

But pending the approval, he said that concerned government agencies will have to implement the guidelines.

On Friday, officials from LTO-6, LTFRB-6, the PNP Highway Patrol Group 6, and the Iloilo City Public Safety and Transportation Management Office conducted massive information dissemination relative to President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to maintain the one-meter social distancing rule in public transport.

The group flagged down jeepneys along Barangay Tagbac, Jaro. They later went to Molo; Arevalo; Barangay Ungka; and the City Proper area.

On Saturday, the transport authorities will be making themselves visible outside of Iloilo City for the information dissemination.

Some drivers’ group earlier asked that the implementation should start Monday, September 28.

But with Iloilo City placed under the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine, the LTFRB, LTO, and HPG went ahead with the implementation.

“We will strictly implement it. But until Sunday, there would be no apprehensions. We will only warn those who will not abide by the rule,” Osmeña said.

Under the LTO rule, a violator could be fined P1,078. This is on top of LTFRB’s violation for breach of franchise which has a penalty of P5,000.

“So, kung mag-joint operation kami with LTO, that would P6,078,” Osmeña said.

But he hoped that the drivers would heed their call, as the social distancing is being implemented as one of the safeguards to stop the spread of the virus.

(Updated to correct the name of LTO-6 regional director Eric Tabaldo, not Roland Ramos as earlier reported)