As nationwide transport strike proceeds: PUV fare hike takes effect

CEBU, Philippines — Higher public utility vehicle (PUV) fares took effect nationwide Monday, September 28, with the minimum fare for traditional jeepneys increasing to P14 from P13 and modern jeepneys to P17 from P15.

But the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) clarified that operators and drivers do not need to secure the official fare matrix immediately to implement the increase.

The LTFRB said it fast-tracked the issuance and distribution of a temporary fare guide following reports that some drivers were hesitant to collect the higher fares because they did not yet have the updated fare matrix.

Acting LTFRB Chairman Greg G. Pua Jr. directed all regional offices to assist PUV operators and drivers in obtaining the temporary fare guide, which may be downloaded and printed from the agency’s website.

“We have been monitoring the implementation of the fare increase as part of the instruction of Secretary Banoy and in doing so, we came across with reports that some drivers are afraid of charging their passengers additional fare because of the absence of the fare matrix,” Pua said in an interview over GMA-7.

“Gusto po nating ipabatid sa ating mga kasamahang operator at driver na hindi po kailangan sa ngayon ang fare matrix upang maipatupad ang fare increase. Ang kailangan lang po ay fare guide na mabilis naman pong puwedeng i-download mula sa website ng LTFRB,” he added.

The directive was contained in a September 25 memorandum issued by Pua in connection with the implementation of the fare increase starting September 28.

Under the memorandum, concerned PUV operators may download and print the applicable temporary fare guide reflecting the newly approved rates from the LTFRB website.

Regional Franchising and Regulatory Offices may also provide other appropriate means of distributing the fare guide or matrix to operators and drivers in their respective areas.

The temporary fare guide will be valid only until December 31, 2026.

Pua said the issuance of the official fare matrix reflecting the authorized rates will begin in January 2027, upon payment of the applicable fare increase fee during confirmation of units.

Starting Jan. 1, 2027, PUV operators will be required to secure and display the official fare guide or matrix issued by the LTFRB.

Jeepney fares

For traditional public utility jeepneys, the minimum fare for the first four kilometers increased from P13 to P14, while the succeeding kilometer rate rose from P1.80 to P2.

For modern jeepneys, the minimum fare for the first four kilometers increased from P15 to P17, while the succeeding kilometer rate rose from P2.20 to P2.40.

The mandatory discounts for students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities remain in effect.

For the new minimum fares, the 20-percent discount translates to P11.20 for qualified passengers using traditional jeepneys and P13.60 for modern jeepneys, subject to the applicable fare computation and rounding rules.

The fare adjustment had previously been approved but its implementation was suspended. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) subsequently approved the LTFRB’s recommendation to lift the suspension, paving the way for implementation on September 28.

The adjustment came amid continuing concerns over fuel prices and operating costs in the transport sector.

Other PUV fares also increased

The fare adjustment covers other public transportation modes.

For Metro Manila and city buses, the new minimum fares are P15 for ordinary buses and P18 for air-conditioned buses for the first five kilometers. The succeeding kilometer rates are P2.49 for ordinary buses and P2.98 for air-conditioned buses.

For provincial buses, the minimum fare for the first five kilometers of ordinary buses is P12. Succeeding kilometer rates are P2.20 for ordinary buses, P2.45 for air-conditioned buses, P2.60 for deluxe buses, P2.70 for super deluxe buses and P3.35 for luxury buses.

Airport taxi fares also increased, with the flag-down rate for the first 500 meters set at P115. The charges for succeeding 300 meters and every two minutes remain unchanged.

For transport network vehicle services, the approved base fares are P55 for hatchbacks, P65 for sedans, P75 for AUVs/SUVs and P165 for premium vehicles, with a P15-per-kilometer pick-up fare.

Point-to-point buses will implement a 15-percent increase based on the existing fare for each route.

The LTFRB also approved provisional fare increases for UV Express and taxis. The provisional rate for traditional UV Express units is P2.60 per kilometer and P3 per kilometer for modern UV Express units.

The provisional flag-down rates for taxis are P65 for regular taxis, P80 for Premium Silver Taxi Service and P95 for Premium Gold Taxi Service.

Piston Cebu to proceed with strike

Despite the implementation of the fare increase, the Cebu chapter of the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) said it will proceed with its planned transport strike on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

PISTON-Cebu president Greg Perez said the P1 increase for traditional jeepneys and P2 increase for modern units do not address the group’s broader concerns over fuel prices, drivers’ income and the government’s PUV modernization program.

The Cebu City government has readied 15 buses, some of which are electric, in case the nationwide transport strike continues despite the fare increases that took effect today.

Mayor Nestor Archival’s Chief of Staff and spokesperson Kenneth Siasar in a press briefer yesterday said the buses will be dispatched as the need arises, with deployment possibly starting as early as 6 a.m. to serve students with early classes.

Pickup points and other operational details were still being arranged as of press time.

Schools and barangays are expected to mobilize their own vehicles to supplement the city fleet as well.

No classes are being cancelled, with the city coordinating with school administrators to ensure students can still attend despite the strike.

The Philippine National Police will also be deployed for foot patrols in commuter convergence areas to maintain order.

The strike is part of a nationwide protest led by transport groups Manibela and PISTON.

Manibela began a three?day strike yesterday, September 28, in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, while PISTON is staging its own two?day strike on September 29–30, with Cebu City’s participation led by Piston Cebu.

Tens of thousands of drivers and operators are expected to join across Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Baguio, Rizal, Naga, Sorsogon, Panay, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao, and General Santos.

Perez said the group is still seeking a P10 fare increase through its pending petition before the LTFRB, aside from measures addressing fuel prices and workers’ wages.

“Padayon among strike ugmang adlawa,” says Perez yesterday.

He said the group considers the approved fare adjustment insufficient considering the increase in operating expenses and the cost of basic commodities.

The national PISTON strike is scheduled for September 29 to 30. PISTON earlier announced the nationwide action to protest rising fuel prices, with its national leadership saying the increase in fares was insufficient to offset higher diesel costs.

Perez said PISTON Cebu would establish four choke points and participating drivers would stop operations along selected routes.

He said their transport strike does not aim to paralyzed the transportation in Cebu.

“Wala mi plano i paralyzed ang transportasyon. Pero wala ta kabalo sa ubang grupo sa transportasyon nga moapil sad sila,” Perez said.

He added that their activity will start from 6am until 12 noon only, no more day two. — (FREEMAN)