BAGUIO CITY - Jeepney drivers are appealing to the concerned government agency for higher fares following the increase in petroleum product prices today.
In an interview with a local radio station, Pat Evangelista, president of a transport group in the Cordillera and Region 1, said less than two weeks later, the price of petroleum products has gone up significantly.
Therefore, he insisted that the one peso increase in fares is not enough.
The official also added that if fares are not raised in the next six months, jeepney drivers will not be able to provide for their families.
According to Evangelista, drivers are more burdened by the expensive charges when taking the fare matrix.
He mentioned that not all jeepney drivers are charging additional fares as only 60% have got the fare matrix.
Evangelista also thanked the passengers who are paying properly and those who are no longer taking their coins as it is a big help to them.
Apart from the fare hike, the transport group is also asking the government for housing for drivers, insurance, and medical assistance.
