Transport groups have announced a nationwide transport strike for Thursday, March 19, in protest against soaring oil prices. This comes as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announces a fare hike affecting traditional and modern jeepneys, buses, taxis, UV express taxis, and transportation network vehicle services (TNVS).
Inquirer reports that groups such as Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) and Samahang Manibela, Mananakay at Nagkaisang Terminal ng Transportasyon (MANIBELA) were not satisfied with the P1 increase for jeepney fares. MANIBELA President Mar Valbuena called the small increase a “slap in the face” for jeepney drivers, as it would barely cover the skyrocketing cost of diesel. Both groups said that until their demands for a P5 fare hike and a suspension of the excise tax on fuel are met, the transport strike will carry on as planned.
According to SunStar, groups such as No to PUV Phaseout Coalition Panay, the Panay Consumers Alliance, and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Panay are also supporting the strike, saying that jeepney drivers in Western Visayas have lost as much as P1,000 per day due to the ongoing oil price hike.
Hundreds of commuters in Metro Manila are expected to be affected by the jeepney strikes and fare increases, and can expect longer queues for buses and trains. In the meantime, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is preparing to provide free rides on Thursday to help commuters. “We are readying our buses and other transport vehicles para makapagbigay ng libreng sakay,” said MMDA General Manager Nicholas Torre III.
Torre also said that the MMDA is pushing efforts to encourage commuters to walk or use bicycles instead. On Tuesday, March 17, the agency opened end-of-trip facilities in Pasig City, featuring bike racks, changing rooms, and shower rooms that allow cyclists to freshen up on their way to work. MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes said, “Asahan niyo po na maglalagay pa kami ng mga similar facilities all over Metro Manila para matulungan ang mga kababayan na nagbibisikleta.”
The Cebu Bus Rapid Transit is also rolling out a scheduled free ride program on Thursday for Cebu City’s commuters. The Philippine National Police is also set to give free rides on mobile patrol vehicles.
