MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved fare adjustments for several public utility vehicles (PUVs), including jeepneys, buses, airport taxis, and transport network vehicle services (TNVS), citing rising fuel prices and increasing operational costs in the transport sector.

The LTFRB said the fare adjustments aim to balance the welfare of millions of commuters while providing relief to transport operators affected by higher fuel and maintenance expenses. The decision was made under the guidance of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Z. Lopez.

LTFRB Chairman Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said the fare increase underwent thorough deliberation and was supported by data and economic analysis, including studies from the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev).

“This decision that covers all modes of land public transportation is proof of the national government’s genuine concern on the welfare of those in the transport sector too while protecting the interest of the general commuting public,” Mendoza said.

He added that the adjustment comes at a crucial time as transport operators face mounting challenges brought about by rising petroleum prices linked to geopolitical tensions abroad.

“And this is timely because the transport sector is currently facing a serious challenge on the prices of petroleum products as a result of the Middle East tensions,” Mendoza added.

Under the approved adjustment, the minimum fare for traditional jeepneys will increase by P1, raising it from P13 to P14, while the rate for every succeeding kilometer will increase from P1.80 to P2.00. For modern jeepneys, the minimum fare will rise by P2, from P15 to P17, with the succeeding kilometer rate increasing from P2.20 to P2.30.

Bus fares will also increase. For ordinary buses operating in Metro Manila and city routes, the minimum fare will increase from P13 to P15 for the first five kilometers, while the succeeding kilometer rate will increase from P2.25 to P2.49. Air-conditioned buses will see their minimum fare increase from P15 to P18 for the first five kilometers, with the per-kilometer rate rising from P2.65 to P2.98.

Provincial buses will implement a P1 increase for the first five kilometers, while the succeeding kilometer rates will vary depending on the type of bus service. Ordinary buses will have an additional charge of 30 centavos per kilometer, while air-conditioned deluxe and super deluxe buses will have an increase of 35 centavos. Luxury buses will see an increase of 45 centavos per kilometer.

The LTFRB also approved adjustments for Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS). The base fare for sedan units will increase from P45 to P65, while AUV units will increase from P55 to P75. Hatchback units will see their base fare rise from P35 to P55, while premium TNVS vehicles will increase from P145 to P165. However, the board clarified that there will be no changes in the per-kilometer and per-minute travel rates for TNVS.

Airport taxis will also implement a P40 increase in the flag-down rate, raising it from P75 to P115. The LTFRB noted that the charges for the succeeding 300 meters and the two-minute waiting time will remain unchanged.

According to Mendoza, the fare adjustments reflect an overall increase of around 19 percent across all regions, taking into account the significant rise in operational costs in the transport sector.

“These compelling circumstances prompted the Board to allow a reasonable rate of increase,” Mendoza said.

He explained that maintenance and operational expenses for transport operators have sharply increased from 7.54 percent during the last bus fare adjustment in 2022 to 54.29 percent in 2024.

Mendoza also cited an example of a Manila-to-Baguio bus trip covering 246 kilometers. Under the new fare structure, the fare would increase from P469 to P542, or P73 more per passenger. For a 50-seater bus, this could generate an additional P3,650 in revenue per trip.

Despite the fare hike, the LTFRB emphasized that operators must continue granting the mandatory 20 percent discount for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and students during school days.

The new fare adjustments will take effect once operators secure the official fare matrix from the LTFRB and display them inside their vehicles. Meanwhile, petitions for fare increases for ordinary taxis and UV Express services are still under deliberation by the board.