The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is currently reviewing a petition filed by major transport groups requesting a provisional fare increase for public utility jeepneys (PUJs).
In a statement on Tuesday, LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III announced that the petition was submitted by PASANG MASDA, ALTODAP, and ACTO on Monday. The groups are seeking a PHP1 provisional fare increase along with other fare adjustments for both traditional and modern PUJs.
The petitioners are asking the LTFRB to make the previous PHP1 provisional fare hike granted in October 2023 permanent and to approve an additional PHP2 provisional increase, which would raise the minimum fare for traditional PUJs from PHP13 to PHP15. For modern PUJs, they are requesting a minimum fare increase from PHP14 to PHP19.
The petition encompasses multiple filings between August 2023 and March 2025, proposing various adjustments, including base fare hikes and changes to the fare per succeeding kilometer.
“We are studying the petition in detail to ensure that any fare adjustment is fair, reasonable, and based on solid justification,” Guadiz stated. He assured that the review will take into account the welfare of both commuters and PUJ operators.
“Our goal is to balance the needs of the riding public and the sustainability of public transport operations,” he added. Guadiz emphasized that the board will adhere to due process in the fare hike study, which will include public consultations and hearings.
“We will listen to all sides before making a decision. This is part of our mandate to ensure transparent and participatory fare-setting,” he concluded.