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KITA president Raymundo Lam-an said their association has agreed not to ask for fare increase as this would be an additional burden to commuters, especially the students.
“As much as possible, we don’t want to add burden to the commuters. That’s the very reason that our association unanimously agreed not to ask for fare increase,” Lam-an said.
But Lam-an said next year their union will petition before the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for a one-peso fare hike.
He said the peso increase for next year was a result of consultations among their members.
Lam-an said some operators and even drivers complain that they could no longer afford to buy the basic needs of their family due to meager income.
He also pointed to the increase in motorcycle spare parts.
“Other drivers even confessed that they (go to) loan sharks just to pay the tuition fee of their college students and sustain their daily needs,” Lam-an lamented.
Lam-an appealed to the commuters to understand why they will raise the fare to a peso next year.
“Unta makasabot ang atong mga commuters kay dili na dyud namo kaya ang padayon nga pagtaas sa presyo sa gasoline ug uban pang batakang palaliton,” (we hope the commuters will understand because we can no longer afford the continuing increase in oil prices and other basic goods).
Lam-an assured the commuters their association will not participate in any transport strike being pushed by other unions in North Cotabato so as not to hamper the regular activities of students, workers and other residents. (Williamor A. Magbanua/MindaNews)