The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced on Wednesday that it will conduct weekly hearings and public consultations on petitions for fare increases in public transportation, following successive oil price hikes.
In a statement, LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II said the hearings align with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to balance the welfare of commuters with the needs of transport operators.
“We will be holding two hearings next week to discuss all the issues surrounding the petitions for fare increase. And we will be holding weekly hearings in relation to the matter after that,” Mendoza said.
He noted that various transport groups have filed petitions seeking an increase in the minimum fare due to rising oil prices and maintenance costs.
A verification study by the LTFRB confirmed that the petitions reflect the realities faced by drivers and operators.
“Drivers and operators are really at a disadvantage in the prevailing fare matrix. The arguments they raised in the petition are valid and really represent the realities on the ground for those in the transport sector,” Mendoza said.
The petitions include making the ₱1 provisional fare increase in 2023 permanent, as well as raising the minimum fare for traditional jeepneys from ₱13 to ₱15. Passenger buses and taxis are also seeking fare adjustments.
“We understand that any increase in fares affects the daily lives of commuters who rely on jeepneys for affordable transportation, but we must also ensure that our drivers and operators can not only sustain safe and reliable services amid rising costs, but are also able to provide for the needs of their families,” Mendoza added.
The hearings will involve experts and be coordinated with other relevant government agencies, including the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development.
In 2023, the LTFRB approved a ₱1 provisional fare increase for passenger jeepneys, raising the minimum fare to ₱13 for traditional jeepneys and ₱15 for modern jeepneys.