By Gabriela Baron
A group of commuters expressed support to jeepney and utility vehicles (UV) Express drivers and operators holding a week-long transport strike beginning Monday, March 6.
In a statement, PARA-Advocates for Inclusive Transport, recognized that there is a “valid case to pursue cleaner, low-emission modes of public transport.”
“But imposing a deadline for thousands of UV Express and traditional jeepney drivers and operators without any clarity of a fair or just transition program to be implemented by relevant government agencies, would mean less public transportation for millions of students and workers whose productivity and mobility rely on dependable and affordable public mass transport,” PARA said.
It also noted that the high costs of the public UV modernization program will “become a burden to commuters,” as the group estimates that the minimum fare for a modernized minibus would need to be as high as P35.
“This is especially concerning as it is happening amidst the most severe inflation crisis in over a decade,” the group stressed.
As of October 2022, the minimum fare for modern jeepney stands at P14 for the first four kilometers and P2.20 for every succeeding kilometer.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board extended from June 30 to Dec. 31 the deadline of public UV modernization consolidation. -ag