The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) had begun deliberations on fare increase petitions filed by five transport groups amid higher fuel prices and rising operating costs.
The petitions covered passenger jeepneys, buses, UV Express units, taxis and motorcycle taxis, according to the agency.
The groups seeking fare adjustments were PISTON, Metro Comet Transport Service Cooperative, UV Express National Alliance of the Philippines, United Transportation Coalition of the Philippines and Manibela.
LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza said the board was reviewing the pending petitions and had been instructed by Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez to submit its recommendation as soon as possible.
Mendoza said the agency would consider the positions of transport operators, commuters and other stakeholders before reaching a final decision.
He added that the board aimed to determine fare adjustments that would help the public utility vehicle sector cope with higher expenses without placing an excessive burden on passengers.
The LTFRB said inflationary effects and commuters’ capacity to pay would also form part of the evaluation. Other government agencies and affected groups would be consulted before the board forwarded its recommendation to the Department of Transportation.
The agency earlier said it preferred issuing a final resolution instead of granting an interim increase tied only to fuel price movements. Mendoza said the board would balance the needs of transport workers with the protection of commuters and the broader public.
