The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has reinstated fixed pickup charges for transport network vehicle service trips, citing the need to balance passenger protection with drivers’ operating costs.
LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza said the policy was revived to address complaints from commuters over unauthorized charges while helping drivers cover fuel and time spent reaching passengers.
Under Memorandum Circular 2026-059, ride-hailing platforms may impose a fixed fee based on the vehicle type and the distance between the driver and the passenger at the time a booking is accepted.
Pickup charges for hatchbacks and subcompact cars range from Php 24 within one kilometer to Php 120 within five kilometers. Sedan fees range from Php 26 to Php 130, while AUV and SUV charges may reach Php 145.
The board limited the matching radius to five kilometers to reduce passenger waiting times and prevent drivers from incurring excessive costs before a trip begins.
No pickup charge may be collected beyond the five-kilometer limit, and transport network companies are prohibited from taking commissions or service fees from the amount.
Platforms were also ordered to display the pickup fee separately in the fare breakdown before booking confirmation and include it as a distinct item in electronic receipts or trip summaries.
The LTFRB said the restored system would help prevent ride shortages and discourage operators from imposing improvised charges outside the approved fare structure.