Opinion of Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet residents on the current taxi and planned PUJ fare increases

Abstract

1. Majority of local residents interviewed are aware of the proposed PUJ fare increase and taxi fare hike. 2. Most of the respondents use jeepney services twice a day, and taxi services once a month or once a week. 3. Transportation budget is roughly 13% of their average total household income. 4. Sixty-five percent claimed they will be greatly affected, while 28% claimed they will be affected with the proposed PUJ fare increase. On the current taxi rates, majority of respondents think they are greatly affected while 32% think they are affected. 4. Most respondents are willing to pay PUJ fare of Php10 minimum and Php1 to Php2 for every additional kilometer thereafter. Simulated enterprise budget shows that at these rates, jeepney operation remains profitable both for operators and drivers. 5. For taxi fare rates, many respondents suggested flagdown rate of Php35, plus Php2 per 250 meters distance travelled, and Php1 per minute of travel time; or same flagdown rate plus Php5 per 250 meters distance travelled and no charge per minute travel time.