Philippines’ One-Peso Fare Hike Barely Eases Jeepney Drivers’ Financial Strain

Philippines’ jeepney drivers ‘stuck between a rock and a hard place’ despite fare increase

The Philippines’ overdue one-peso fare increase has done little to ease jeepney drivers’ financial strain, with drivers saying it “barely makes a dent” as the sector faces a massive loss of livelihoods.

Rising costs cut into daily earnings

Reggie Manlapig, 46, has driven jeepneys for nearly 25 years and has endured rising fuel prices. But as costs spike amid the global energy crunch, he said he is now wrestling with bigger difficulties.

“The impact has been huge,” Manlapig said.

Before the latest pressure on costs, he said, a 16-hour driving shift could bring him 400 to 500 pesos [US$6.30 to US$8] in take-home income. “Now there’s a big cut to that income,” he said.

Manlapig plies a two-hour daily round route from Malolos in Bulacan, north of Manila, to San Fernando, Pampanga. He said completing the full route five times straight in a day puts considerable pressure on drivers.

“Before, three round trips alone would already give you decent earnings,” Manlapig said. He added that days with no classes, holidays, or student holiday periods are especially hard for earnings.

The fare increase therefore comes as drivers continue to struggle with higher costs and reduced take-home income. For drivers such as Manlapig, the additional one peso has not offset the wider pressure facing the sector.

Source: South China Morning Post