By JASON SOM KAUT
PUBLIC Motor Vehicle (PMV) operators operating along the Lae-Ramu route have called for an increase in passenger fares to cater for the nationwide increase in fuel products by InterOil.
The Route Three PMV Association, which has more than 60 registered operators, is calling a meeting tomorrow to discuss the implications that the increasing fuel prices will have on their operations.
Vice-chairman and Route Three operator Waka Wayang said: “There has not been an increase in passenger fares in the past 10 years despite rising fuel price.”
Mr Wayang said because of the imbalance in fuel rises and passenger fares, more than 50% of their operational costs were spent on fuel.
He said the remaining 50% accounted for maintenance and repair costs and allowances for the drivers with marginal profit.
He said this had seen some 50% of PMVs going out of business.
“With the new increase, it will be extremely difficult to remain in business unless we increase our fares,” Mr Wayang said.
They want ICCC to increase passenger fares by 100% to cater for the increase.
Passenger fares between Lae and Mutzing (Markham) is currently K6 per person. However, if it is approved by the ICCC, passenger fares will go up to K12.
Mr Wayang said: “The ICCC has approved increases for PMV operators in towns and should do likewise for operators outside of town.”
The Lae-Madang route has seen a fare increase in the last two years to K40 per person from K30.
“Why is the ICCC letting the small people suffer by bowing down to a monopoly?” he asked.
The association wrote a letter to ICCC early this year asking for an increase in PMV fares but this had not been approved.