LTFRB reviews fare hike petitions

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is reviewing a petition from major transport groups seeking a provisional fare increase for public utility jeepneys (PUJs).

On Aug. 11, Pasang Masda, ALTODAP and ACTO filed a joint petition asking for a provisional fare hike of P1 and other fare adjustments for both traditional and modern PUJs.

The petition covers multiple filings between August 2023 and March 2025, including proposals for base fare increases and adjustments per succeeding kilometer.

LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said the agency is evaluating the request to ensure that any adjustment is “fair, reasonable and based on solid justification.”

The petitioners asked the board to make permanent the P1 provisional fare hike granted in October 2023 and to grant an additional P2 provisional increase, which would raise the base fare to P15 for traditional PUJs and from P14 to P19 for modern PUJs.

Guadiz said the LTFRB’s review will take into account commuter welfare and operator viability, noting that public consultations and hearings will be conducted before any decision is made.

“We will listen to all sides before making a decision. This is part of our mandate to ensure transparent and participatory fare-setting,” he said.