Manila: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has announced a fare increase for all modes of land transportation, with an average rise of 19 percent expected to take effect on Thursday. During a press conference at the LTFRB headquarters, Chair Vigor Mendoza II stated that the fare hike was "thoroughly deliberated and supported by data and analysis" from the agency, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev).
According to Philippines News Agency, the fare adjustments come as the transport sector faces challenges due to increasing petroleum prices resulting from tensions in the Middle East. The LTFRB has approved a PHP1 increase in the minimum fare for traditional jeepneys, bringing it from PHP13 to PHP14, with an additional PHP2 for every succeeding kilometer. Modern jeepneys will see a PHP2 increase in the minimum fare, now PHP17, with an added PHP2.30 per kilometer.
For airport taxis, the flagdown rate has been increased by PHP40 for the first 500 meters, rising from PHP75 to PHP115, while charges for the succeeding 300-meter and two-minute wait time remain unchanged. Transport network vehicle services (TNVS) will experience a PHP20 increase and a PHP15 pick-up fare per kilometer, with base fares for sedans, AUVs, hatchbacks, and premium TNVS adjusted accordingly. However, per-kilometer and per-minute charges for TNVS remain the same.
Ordinary buses in Metro Manila and other cities will have a PHP2 increase in the minimum fare, now PHP15 for the first 5 kilometers, with an additional PHP2.49 per subsequent kilometer. Air-conditioned buses will see a PHP3 increase, with the minimum fare set at PHP18 for the first 5 kilometers, plus PHP2.98 for each additional kilometer. Provincial ordinary buses will have a PHP1 increase for the first 5 kilometers, with varying charges for additional distances based on the type of passenger bus.
Mendoza emphasized that the fare increase is permanent and will be effective once published by the UP Law Center, expected by Thursday. A fare matrix must be displayed inside public utility vehicles before implementing the new fares. Meanwhile, petitions for fare hikes for ordinary taxis and UV Express units are still under review.
In response to rising fuel prices, the DOTr, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and local governments in Metro Manila have begun distributing fuel subsidies to tricycle drivers across 30 sites. This initiative will expand to include drivers and operators of other public land transport modes in the coming weeks.
