Bacolod City – The public transport sector in Bacolod City is pushing for fare increase following the continuous escalation in the price of fuel.
Diego Malacad, secretary general of the United Driver and Operators Center (UNDOC), said they are pushing for fare increase of P1 for every succeeding kilometer in addition to the current ₱ 10 fare.
They sought the help of Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya to set a meeting between them and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Bacolod City, he said.
Malacad said the solon assured to help them after gathering testimonies and data from the transport groups. They are calling on LTFRB to extend the services they are giving other provinces to Negros Occidental.
He said about 700 to 800 public utility drivers in Negros Occidental have stopped driving due to the increase in the rent being collected by operators. This is one of the concerns they want to raise with LTFRB.
Gasataya said they have no control over the prices of fuel. But what they can do in Congress is to review the excise tax. (Chrysee Semillano via The Visayan Daily Star (TVDS), photo courtesy of TVDS)