Biting the bullet

HE proposed fare hike for public transport has once again stirred debate across the country, reflecting a tension between economic realities and the daily struggles of commuters.

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Transport group Piston said it will file a petition for a provisional fare increase of P2 on March 16, to peg the minimum at P15, amid the jump of P17 to P24 per liter in pump prices.

With the oil price hike, operators argue that without a corresponding rise in fares, maintaining operations is becoming increasingly unsustainable.

Vehicles require fuel, maintenance, and daily operational costs that have steadily increased over the past months, leaving drivers and operators in a financial bind.

The proposed increases include making previous P1 provisional fare adjustments permanent and adding another P2 for jeepneys, which could bring base fares to P15 or higher.

Meanwhile, P2P buses are eyeing fare hikes of 30 to 40 percent.