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The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) confirmed it has approved a fare increase for jeepneys and buses, with the exact amount set to be announced on Tuesday.
The board said the fare adjustment will apply to all public utility vehicles whose operators previously filed petitions for higher fares.
LTFRB Chairperson Vigor Mendoza said the fare increase is certain but the amount still needs to be justified to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez.
He added that fares will not be set too high to avoid burdening passengers. The board also coordinates with other agencies to monitor the possible impact on inflation.
Mendoza explained that the goal is to prevent fares from being too difficult for commuters while ensuring that the price of goods does not rise excessively due to the fare adjustment.
The fare hike reflects ongoing consultations and careful consideration of the transport sector’s operating costs and passenger welfare.
Operators of taxis and UV Express will not see a fare increase on Tuesday as their petitions have only recently been approved and require further hearings and public consultations.
The LTFRB said the announcement aims to give commuters and operators time to adjust while ensuring transparency and proper justification of the fare adjustments.