Oil prices have been decreasing in the past months. Demand for petroleum products is low in Asia, which led to an increase in fuel reserves in the US. Fears of a recession in Europe and the slowing down of China’s economy also affected the low demand of oil products.
The public who commutes every single day has been waiting always for the implementation of the rollback of the minimum fare for the passenger buses, jeepneys, multicabs and even tricycle units plying in the city.
Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are the one who are in charge in approving the provisional rollback in the minimum fare for passenger jeepneys in Metro Manila.
The minimum fare in the jeepney is for the first four kilometers. However, the rate for the succeeding kilometers are remained the same. The fare roll back is also applicable to the senior citizens and students, who are entitled for the 20 percent discount. The roll back fare is only for the Metro Manila because in the provinces, the LTFRB regional or provincial officers will be the one to implement their own fare rollback because the diesel prices in the areas may vary.
But if the fuel prices go up, automatically, drivers and conductors of passenger buses, jeepneys and multicabs will immediately start collecting an increase without even waiting for the fare matrix. What a double standard or is it because it would work to their advantage in both ways.
So is rollback fare right? Yes it’s just right since it is in accordance with the diesel prices now. It’s just fair that while diesel prices lowers, fare should also lowers because it’s the main ingredient in transportation. But we all know that while the fare comes down, the arguments might arise between the drivers and the passengers with this sudden implementation of the LTFRB.
For this kind of matter, LTFRB should set a proper date. They should have said their decision prior to their expected date of implementation of fare rollback so that the drivers will be prepared. This will also avoid discord within the streets, especially since not all the drivers and the passengers are aware of this provision. By doing this, everything will go smoothly and in order and so it will avoid any interruptions.
by: Paola Hines