What is the LTFRB's basis for PUV fare increases?

The soaring fuel prices amid the tensions in the Middle East has pushed the government to increase the fare in public utility vehicles (PUVs). 

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) implemented the adjusted fare in provincial buses on March 14. 

In the approved provisional fare hike, ordinary buses will impose an additional P1 on the base fare and P0.30 per succeeding kilometer. 

Airconditioned, deluxe, and super deluxe buses will have an additional ₱0.35 per succeeding kilometer, while luxury buses will see an extra ₱0.45 per kilometer.

In implementing the fare adjustment, the LTFRB considered several factors, such as fuel prices from the Department of Energy’s (DOE) official data. 

The LTFRB also considered the total operation and maintenance costs based on the survey, study, and investigation it conducted on the operators, drivers, and land transportation service industry. 

It also reviewed the base fare before the implementation of the adjustment. 

Once the new fare is established, the LTFRB will prepare the fare matrix. 

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) also announced the fare increase in jeepneys on March 17. 

The fare increased by P1 for the first four kilometers for traditional jeepneys, while it increased by P2 for the first four kilometers for modern jeepneys.

The fare hike will be effective starting March 19. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/JMA, GMA Integrated News