The demand of transportation during the pandemic has become even more crucial, which is why it is heartbreaking to know that there has been an increase in the fare. Earlier, the regular fare for a three-wheeler, which used to ride for about 20 minutes was just 10 pesos, but now has become 20, i.e. it has doubled.
Moreover, an increase of 100% in the minimum fare in public vehicles reflects the social distancing restrictions so that a ride can accommodate fewer number of passengers per trip. Therefore, it is a need to follow the guidelines. Nevertheless, we have no choice but to take the public transit system.
On the other hand, if we are to argue about the increase, what about the increase of commodities? It’s not only the transportation expenses we are budgeting. There is also a need to pay for bills and more. However, for the sake of transportation, we should cut some portion of the budget to suffice the fare.
For instance, for a family who only has enough money to buy food but needs to go to the market which is almost an hour of travel away from their home, if they have to give more from the budget for their fare, then it would leave them impoverished.
The mere fact that the jeepney, three-wheeler and any other public vehicle drivers are also experiencing the need to voice out this concern, this fare increase should be heard. However, the government must be the one to take control although oil companies are private businesses.