Lawmaker Criticizes Rush Hour Rate Proposal as Marcos Office Requests Travel Budget Increase
A proposed rush hour rate that aims to charge commuters extra during peak travel hours has drawn criticism from minority lawmaker Rep. Arlene Brosas. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board is considering a petition for the rush hour rate in response to rising gas prices. However, Brosas, who represents the Gabriela Women’s Party, questioned why the burden is being shifted onto commuters while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s office has requested higher travel funds.
Brosas voiced her concerns in a statement, stating, The added fare will be put onto commuters while the President asks for more budget for his travels. Drivers and commuters are pitted against one another instead of the government focusing on the actual problem of jeepney phaseouts and repealed petroleum price hikes. She further questioned why commuters should pay more for hours of inconvenience while transport officials and the Marcos Jr. administration do little to address the deteriorating public transport system. Brosas advocates for improving mass transportation and reducing petroleum prices by abolishing oil excise taxes.
The proposal for surge pricing in public utility vehicles (PUVs) is expected to exacerbate the already low take-home pay of workers. Brosas firmly believes that the idea of surge pricing should be rejected outright by transport officials. Instead, she urges the government to tackle the pressing issues of jeepney phaseouts and skyrocketing petrol prices.
In conclusion, as controversy surrounds the proposed rush hour rate, Rep. Arlene Brosas condemns the idea, arguing that it only burdens commuters further while the government fails to address fundamental problems in the transportation sector. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how these issues will be resolved and what impact they will have on the commuting public.
