The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved fare increases for several modes of public utility vehicles (PUVs) in a move aimed at balancing the welfare of commuters and transport operators.
The decision was based on data and analysis reviewed by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, according to LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II.
Mendoza said the adjustments reflect the government’s effort to support transport workers while protecting the interests of commuters, noting that the sector is facing rising petroleum costs linked to tensions in the Middle East.
For traditional jeepneys, the LTFRB approved a Php 1 increase in the minimum fare, raising it to Php 14 from Php 13. The charge for every succeeding kilometer also increases to Php 2 from Php 1.80.
For modern jeepneys, the minimum fare rises by Php 2 to Php 17 from the previous Php 15, while the per-kilometer rate increases slightly to Php 2.30 from Php 2.20.
Airport taxis will see their flag-down rate increase by Php 40 to Php 115 from Php 75 for the first 500 meters. Charges for the succeeding 300 meters and the two-minute waiting time remain unchanged.
For Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS), the LTFRB approved a Php 20 increase in the base fare and a Php 15 pickup charge per kilometer. This sets the base fare at Php 65 for sedans, Php 75 for AUVs, Php 55 for hatchbacks and Php 165 for premium vehicles. Per-kilometer and per-minute travel charges remain unchanged.
In Metro Manila and city buses, the minimum fare for ordinary buses increases to Php 15 from Php 13 for the first five kilometers, with the succeeding-kilometer rate rising to Php 2.49 from Php 2.25. Air-conditioned buses will have a minimum fare of Php 18 from Php 15, with the per-kilometer rate increasing to Php 2.98 from Php 2.65.
For provincial buses, the minimum fare for the first five kilometers increases by Php 1, while the additional per-kilometer charge varies by bus type: Php 2.20 for ordinary buses, Php 2.45 for air-conditioned deluxe and super deluxe units, and Php 3.35 for luxury buses.
Petitions for fare increases filed by operators of ordinary taxis and UV Express services are still under deliberation.
Overall, Mendoza said the adjustments represent an average 19-percent increase in fares across regions.
The LTFRB said the decision took into account public consultations, position papers from stakeholders and cost analyses since the last bus fare adjustment in September 2022.
Maintenance and operational expenses have risen sharply, from 7.54 percent during the last fare hike to 54.29 percent in 2024, while global developments such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and ongoing Middle East tensions have pushed up fuel prices.
The board noted that the approved adjustments translate to about a 15-percent fare increase, compared with a 19-percent rise in wages since 2022.
The LTFRB also cited the sensitivity of jeepney fares to inflation, noting that increases in this sector are closely linked to the country’s consumer price index (CPI).
The new fares will take effect once operators secure and display the updated fare matrix in their vehicles.
The LTFRB also required operators to continue granting the 20-percent discount for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and students during school days.
Provincial buses were granted provisional fare adjustments even as the government prepares to distribute a Php 5,000 fuel subsidy to PUV operators.
The board said the measure was approved despite the subsidy, noting the extraordinary increases in fuel prices currently being experienced by transport operators.