Commuters, operators react to fare hike

With just P100 in her pocket, Lorena (not her real name) skips lunch almost every day --not by choice, but because her entire allowance barely covers her daily commute from Liloan town to Cebu City. By 6 A.M., the 20-year-old is already on the road. She has to take two jeepneys just to make it to her 7:30 A.M. class.

- Reynan Monleon and Shyrielle Lariosa, CNU Journalism interns/BRP

For students like Lorena, every peso in their pocket counts and with the recently announced one-peso increase in jeepney fare, it may seem small, but it's already the difference between a ride and a meal, a commute and a necessity.

However, citing increasing gas rates, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regularly Board expressed intent to increase jeepney fare by P1 by July last Tuesday, June 19. A move that Cebu transport groups openly supported, raising concerns from Lorena and other commuters alike.

Burden

While many people recognize the challenges drivers face due to fuel costs, students like Andi, 21, who rely solely on her parents, can't help but feel disheartened.

"Bisan piso, very dako na kaayo nga makuha ana sa kwarta namo," said Andi. As a financially-unstable student trying to save what little she has, the fare hike --however small-- cuts deeper than it seems.

It's not just students who may be affected by the increase. For 51-year-old Jeoffrey Reyes who earns minimum wage, this hike would cut his already-limited earnings.

He explained that since he commutes to work every day, the peso could have been saved and spent on other daily expenses.

Empathy