Malacañang on Friday said it is too early to implement another jeepney fare increase, noting that a provisional ₱1 hike is already in place to help offset rising fuel and maintenance costs.
In a press briefing, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro explained that the government is exploring possible subsidies or alternative assistance for jeepney operators and drivers while fare hike petitions are still under review.
“Ayon sa kanilang computation, itong provisional grant na ito na fare hike na one peso ay naku-cover pa po ang fuel cost para sa jeepneys,” Castro said, citing the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
She added that while another increase may be considered premature, the government continues to study measures to support drivers and operators.
“Actually, kahit pa sabihin natin na premature, ayon po kay (Land Transportation Office chief) Atty. Vigor Mendoza, pinag-aaralan pa rin po ang maaaring maibigay na tulong sa mga jeepney operators and drivers.”
For now, the LTFRB’s focus is on possible fare hikes for buses, which currently do not have a provisional increase.
Public consultations are ongoing to address petitions for jeepney fare adjustments, including proposals to raise the minimum fare from ₱13 to ₱15 for traditional jeepneys and from ₱15 to ₱17 for modern units.
The last approved fare hike, a ₱1 provisional increase, was implemented in October 2023.