A TRANSPORT group praised the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for protecting bus and jeepney drivers’ livelihoods following the approval of fare adjustments amid rising fuel costs.
The United Transportation Coalition Philippines Inc. (UTCPI), in a statement, said the government’s favorable ruling would serve as a vital lifeline for thousands of hardworking Filipino drivers nationwide.
“For years, the Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers and other public transport drivers have borne severe financial strain caused by the relentless rise in global petroleum prices, compounded by urban traffic gridlock that increases fuel consumption and shrinks drivers’ take-home pay,” the UTCPI said.
It cited several years of petitions, formal hearings and constructive stakeholder consultations that culminated in LTFRB’s recommendation for fare adjustments, which the DOTr eventually approved under the leadership of Secretary Giovanni Lopez.
The coalition stressed that the decision directly addressed the drivers’ daily economic struggles by stabilizing their incomes and securing the sustainability of ride-hailing services.
“As one of the thousands of drivers grinding it out on the road, all we ask is that the government continue to listen to us in improving and strengthening public transportation,” said UTCPI President Lisza Buscaino-Redulla.
“Every day that such a response is delayed diminishes what we bring home to our families, so we hope this adjustment can be sustained,” she added.
The UTCPI head also appealed to the commuting public for understanding and patience, acknowledging that passengers are likewise grappling with the rising cost of living, household expenses, and prices of necessities.
“All we want is for every driver’s income to remain fair so that we can continue to deliver safe, orderly, and reliable service,” she pointed out.
Buscaino-Redulla said the coalition reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a close, constructive partnership with DOTr and LTFRB to “ensure that future transport policies remain balanced, fair and responsive to the needs of both drivers and commuters alike.”
