ILOILO CITY – Hundreds of jeepney drivers in this city are on a weeklong strike to protest the one-meter apart seating policy for public transportation that was meant to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
At least 100 jeepneys under the City Loop Integrated Alliance of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (CLIAJODA) have stopped plying the streets of Iloilo City since Friday, September 25.
Another 200 jeepneys plying the routes of Bo. Obrero, Mandurriao- Jaro Plaza, Mandurriao-Tabucan-Jaro, Villa Baybay, Villa Mohon, and Ungka-ITGSI will be joining the weeklong strike.
This, as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB-6) was not able to heed the request of CLIAJODA President Rizal Alido to defer implementing the one-meter apart seating policy pending the proposed fare hike.
Passengers currently pay P10, but there is a pending proposal for a P5-hike for a P15-minimum fare.
With the adjustment of physical distancing to one-meter apart, it means the jeepneys would have lesser number of passengers.
Alido decried that if drivers and operators continue to operate at the current fare rate, they will ultimately earn nothing as whatever they earn on their trips would only be enough to cover fuel and other maintenance expenses.
Meanwhile, the strike stranded passengers, who had to look for alternative means to get to their destinations, with some even being forced to walk.