LTFRB reviewing fare hike petitions amid recent increase in fuel prices

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has started the deliberation on the fare hike petitions filed by five transport groups amid the increases in fuel prices brought by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

“We are already reviewing and discussing all the pending petitions for fare hike and as per instruction by Secretary Banoy, we have to come up with the recommendation in the soonest possible time,” said LTFRB chairperson Vigor Mendoza in a statement.

The petitions cover public utility jeepneys (PUJ), passenger buses, UV Express, taxis, and motorcycle taxis, the LTFRB noted.

The fare hike petitions were filed by PISTON, Metro Comet Transport Service Cooperative, UV Express National Alliance of the Philippines, United Transportation Coalition of the Philippines, and Manibela.

Manibela sought for a P2 increase while PISTON is seeking for a P10 fare hike.

The current minimum PUJ fare is P13.

The LTFRB earlier said it will consider several factors in deciding on the petitions, including the riding public’s capacity to absorb higher transportation costs and the potential inflationary impact of any fare increase on the prices of basic goods and services.

Meanwhile, the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP) earlier hoped the government will consider increasing the per-liter fuel subsidy for public utility vehicles from P10 to P15 amid the recent increase in oil prices. —VAL, GMA News