Transport strike starts as fare hike takes effect - GMA Network
The transport group Samahang Manibela, Mananakay at Nagkaisang Terminal ng Transportasyon (Manibela) on Monday started its three-day transport strike as a fare hike took effect.
Manibela conducted its transport strike in parts of Metro Manila to protest against rising fuel prices and call for higher fares.
Members of the group as well as some transport network vehicle service (TNVS) and UV Express drivers, motorcycle taxi riders and truckers, gathered at University Avenue in Quezon City early morning, according to a report of James Agustin on Unang Balita.
They proceeded in a caravan toward Philcoa and held a program to air their demands.
Among their calls are lower fuel prices, fare increase, and the removal of excise taxes and value-added tax (VAT) on petroleum products.
Some motorcycle taxi and TNVS drivers who joined the protest said they decided not to operate on Monday to support the transport strike.
Manibela chairperson Mar Valbuena said their program in Philcoa will last until around 10 a.m.
According to him, around 20,000 to 25,000 jeepney drivers in various routes in Metro Manila were expected to participate in the strike.
The group also criticized the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) over its statement that drivers who join the strike could face fines.
Several local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila deployed vehicles offering free rides to assist commuters affected by the transport strike on Monday.
Transport group PISTON earlier announced that it would hold a two-day transport strike on September 29 to 30 to also protest against the continued rise in fuel prices.
Face-to-face classes in some areas will be suspended on Tuesday, September 29 due to the transport strike.
Meanwhile, the fare hike for public utility vehicles took effect Monday morning.
At the Makati City Loop Terminal, passengers were already lining up to catch both traditional and modern jeepneys as the new fares took effect, according to a report on GMA News' Unang Balita.
A passenger said the fare increase would be difficult for workers like him who are already coping with higher living costs.
Based on the fare hike approved by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), P1 will be added to the current minimum fare for jeepneys, and an additional P2 for every succeeding kilometer.
The new minimum fare for traditional jeepneys is P14 (up by one peso from P13) for the first four kilometers, with an additional P2 for every succeeding kilometer (up from P1.80).
For modern jeepneys, the new minimum fare will be P17 (up from P15) for the first four kilometers, with an additional P2.40 for every succeeding kilometer (up from P2.20).
City bus fares will also go up. The minimum fare for ordinary city buses will rise to P15 for the first five kilometers, with an additional P2.49 per succeeding kilometer.
For air-conditioned city buses, the minimum fare will increase to P18, with nearly P3 charged for every succeeding kilometer.
Provincial bus fares will increase by P2 to P3 per succeeding kilometer, depending on the type of bus.
UV Express fares will increase by P2.60 to P3 per succeeding kilometer.
Taxi flag-down rates will range from P65 to P90, depending on the type of taxi, but there will be no increase in the per-kilometer rate.
The flag-down rate for airport taxis will rise from P75 to P115, also with no change in the succeeding meter rate.
TNVS fares will also increase depending on the type of vehicle, while a P15 pickup fee per kilometer has also been approved. Fares for point-to-point buses will increase by 15%.
The mandatory discounts for students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities will continue to apply, the memo stated.
The fare hike was originally scheduled for March but President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. deferred it amid the conflict in the Middle East and concerns over an oil price crisis. βJoviland Rita/KG, GMA News
