The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has consolidated all the fare hike petitions of the traditional jeepneys, following the submission of a new petition by three transport groups on Monday.
From the current P13, LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III said the petition of transport groups Pasang Masda, Altodap and ACTO is seeking to make the minimum fare for traditional jeepney P15.
“The petitioners are asking the LTFRB to declare the previous P1 provisional fare hike granted in October 2023 as permanent, and to grant an additional P2 provisional increase. This would bring the base fare to P15 for traditional PUJs,” said Guadiz.
What the LTFRB would discuss, according to Guadiz, covers multiple fare hike petitions between August 2023 and March 2025, with proposals ranging from base fare hikes to adjustments per succeeding kilometer.
He said the discussion also includes fare hike for modern jeepneys which currently has a minimum fare of P15.
“We are studying the petition in detail to ensure that any fare adjustment is fair, reasonable, and based on solid justification. The Board’s evaluation will consider both commuter welfare and operator viability,” said Guadiz.
“Our goal is to balance the needs of the riding public and the sustainability of public transport operations,” he added.
Guadiz said they will conduct public consultations and hearings as part of the due process.
“We will listen to all sides before making a decision. This is part of our mandate to ensure transparent and participatory fare-setting,” said Guadiz.
Transport groups have been seeking fare increase amid the series of oil price hikes. (Aaron Recuenco)
