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The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board approved fare hikes across nearly all public utility vehicle types following oil price hikes driven by Middle East tensions
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Traditional jeepney minimum fare: P13 to P14 (+8%); modern jeepney: P15 to P17
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TNVS base fare (sedan): P45 to P65; other TNVS categories also increased
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Metro Manila ordinary bus minimum fare: P13 to P15; aircon buses: P15 to P18
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Airport taxi flag-down rate: P75 to P115 (+P40)
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Regular taxis and UV Express fare petitions still under deliberation
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Overall fare adjustments reflect a 19% increase across all regions
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Operators’ maintenance and operational costs surged from 7.54% (2022) to 54.29% (2024)
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Mandatory 20% discount for senior citizens, PWDs, and students on school days
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Government allocated P2.5 billion in fuel subsidies; each operator to get P5,000
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved fare increases for nearly all public utility vehicles nationwide, delivering the first across-the-board adjustment since September 2022 as surging oil prices and swelling operational costs put the transport sector under mounting financial strain.
The increases, which reflect an average 19% adjustment across regions, immediately take effect amid a sharp rise in fuel costs linked to ongoing Middle East tensions.
LTFRB chairman Atty. Vigor Mendoza, in a press conference on March 17, said the board’s decision was grounded in cost analyses, stakeholder consultations, and data from the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development.
“This decision that covers all modes of land public transportation is proof of the national government’s genuine concern for the welfare of those in the transport sector while protecting the interests of the general commuting public,” Mendoza said.
He added: “This is timely because the transport sector is currently confronting a serious challenge due to the rising prices of petroleum products as a result of Middle East tensions.”
Jeepneys
For traditional jeepneys, the minimum fare is up by P1, from P13 to P14, while the per-kilometer charge beyond the initial four kilometers increases by 20 centavos, from P1.80 to P2.
Modern jeepney fares climb by P2, bringing the minimum to P17 from P15, with the succeeding kilometer rate moving from P2.20 to P2.30.
The board noted that finalizing jeepney fares required extended deliberation, given the mode’s outsized effect on the consumer price index, a key inflation benchmark.
Buses
Ordinary bus passengers in Metro Manila will pay a P2 higher minimum fare, P15 instead of P13, for the first five kilometers, with the per-kilometer rate rising 24 centavos to P2.49. Air-conditioned city buses will charge a P3 higher minimum of P18, with subsequent kilometers increasing 33 centavos to P2.98.
Provincial bus adjustments vary by class, with per-kilometer increases ranging from 30 centavos for ordinary buses to 45 centavos for luxury coaches.
Ride-hailing and airport taxis
Passengers using Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) will pay P20 more in base fares, with an additional P15 added to the pick-up fare per kilometer.
Sedan base fares now stand at P65, up from P45; AUVs at P75 from P55; hatchbacks at P55 from P35; and premium TNVS at P165 from P145. Per-kilometer and per-minute charges remain unchanged.
Airport taxi flag-down rates jump P40, from P75 to P115 for the first 500 meters, while charges for succeeding distance increments and waiting time remain unchanged. Deliberations on regular taxis and UV Express are ongoing.
Cost pressures and conditions
The board cited a dramatic escalation in maintenance and operational costs, from 7.54% at the time of the last fare hike to 54.29% in 2024, alongside wage increases and the compounding effects of the Ukraine war and Middle East conflict on global fuel markets.
READ: Business groups ask gov’t to help minimize Middle East crisis impact
“These compelling circumstances prompted the Board to allow a reasonable rate of increase,” the decision read.
As a condition of the approval, operators must extend a 20% discount to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and students every school day.
The fare hikes come alongside a government fuel subsidy program that kicked off on Tuesday.
Department of Transportation secretary Giovanni Lopez said the government has set aside P2.5 billion in fuel subsidies, with P5,000 allocated per operator.
Distribution began this week, starting with tricycle drivers in Metro Manila, and will extend to jeepney, UV Express, and taxi operators.
Mendoza clarified that the subsidies do not cover fare increases. “Notwithstanding the fuel subsidy distribution, the Board is more than mindful of the extraordinary increases in fuel prices currently experienced by PUV operators,” he said.—Michael Barcas
