Soaring gas prices put brakes on jeepney drivers

Jeepneys reign as the "Kings of the Road" in the country, ruling the streets as the most iconic mode of transport, yet their drivers are a far cry from living like royalty.

- By BRIX LELIS

As early as 5 a.m., drivers start steering their jeepneys around the Metro through long hours, working tirelessly until well past midnight to provide for their families.

From the outside, it seems they're earning a lot from spending long hours on the road, but that's not the case.

Alex, a jeepney driver since 2007, does not own the vehicle he drives, so he is required to remit a "boundary" of around P700 per day to the operator. Alex plies the Guadalupe, Makati to Pateros route and vice versa.

"Naiuuwi ko minsan pinakamataas ay isang libo, minsan 'di pa umaabot ng isang libo, mga P700 lang (Sometimes I end up with as much as a thousand pesos, but other times it's less than that, just P700)," Alex, who asked that his full name be withheld, told The STAR.

This is what he and his wife, Michelle, carefully budget to support the needs of their four children, three of whom are currently studying.

It could have been a huge relief for their family if Alex no longer had to cough up extra pesos to cover surging diesel costs.