LTFRB approves fare hike for all PUVs

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, the provisional base fare increase for jeepneys, buses, taxis and even Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS).

In a statement, the LTFRB said the minimum fare, or for the first four kilometers for traditional public utility jeepneys (TPUJ) is now P12 from the current P11, with an additional fare of P.30 per succeeding kilometer.

For modern PUJs, the base fare is P14 from the current P13, with an additional P.40 for every succeeding kilometer exceeding four kilometers.

“Based on the increase, the fare for succeeding kilometer run for TPUJ will be P1.80 from the current P1.50, while for MPUJ, [it] will be P2.20 from P1.80,” the agency said.

Jeepney drivers earlier filed a petition seeking a P3 increase in their minimum fare amid the series of oil price hikes brought about by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

For public utility buses (PUBs), the LTFRB approved a P2 uniform base fare increase for both city and provincial buses for the first five kilometers with additional fare of P.35 to P.50 every succeeding kilometer, depending on the type of bus.

Bus groups, for their part, asked for a P4 to P7 fare increase.

The LTFRB also increased the flag-down rate of taxis from P40 to P45 and P55 for TNVS except for hatchback type TNVS, of which the flag-down rate was put at P35.

“There will be no increase in the succeeding kilometers,” the agency said.

The LTFRB said the 20 percent discount for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and students will remain.