Fare hikes approved for jeepneys, buses, taxis, TNVS —LTFRB

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Friday approved fare increases for traditional and modern jeepneys, buses, taxis, and transport network vehicle services (TNVS).

In a statement, the LTFRB said it released a decision on the petitions filed by several transport groups.

The public land transportation regulator approved a P1 provisional increase in the minimum fare for first four kilometers travel in both traditional and modern jeepneys.

“Upon the effectivity of the decision, the minimum fare for traditional public utility jeepney (TPUJ) will be P12, while for modern PUJ (MPUJ) will be at P14,” the LTFRB said.

The agency also green-lighted an additional fare of P0.30 per succeeding kilometer for TPUJ, while an additional P0.40 per succeeding kilometer will be implemented for MPUJ.

“Based on the increase, the fare for succeeding kilometer run TPUJ will be P1.80 from the current P1.50, while for MPUJ will be P2.20 from P1.80,” the LTFRB said.

For public utility buses (PUB), the land transportation regulator approved a P2 uniformed base fare hike for city and provincial buses for the first five kilometers and the succeeding kilometer fare increase of P0.35 to P0.50 depending on the type of bus.

The LTFRB said PUB operators asked for P4 to P7 base fare hikes and per succeeding kilometer rate ranging from P0.45 to P1.20.

The flagdown rate for taxis and TNVS was also adjusted upwards by P5.00.

“Upon effectivity of the decision, the minimum fare for taxis and Sedan-type TNVS will be P45, while AUV/SUV-type TNVS will be at P55. For hatchback-type TNVS, flagdown rate will be P35,” the LTFRB said.

“There will be no increase in the succeeding kilometers,” it said.

The decision on fare increases will take effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation or around the first week of October.

The LTFRB said the 20% discount for senior citizens, persons with disability and students will still be effective.

The agency earlier said that it recognizes the need for a fare increase following the continuing rise of oil prices.

The LTFRB said it consulted the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) on the matter.

“In the decision released by LTFRB, the agency conducted a study through its Franchise Planning and Monitoring Division (FPMD),” it said.

The FPMD used the fare adjustment formula based on Memorandum Circular 2019-035, the opinion of different stakeholders, increasing operational cost of PUVs and the opinion of the NEDA, according to the LTFRB.

Moving forward, the agency reminded drivers to follow the guidelines and policies of the agency, and adhere to public health safety protocols. Violations will be dealt with accordingly. —NB, GMA News