LTFRB HOLDS PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED FARE HIKES ACROSS TRANSPORT SECTORS

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) conducted a public consultation to discuss proposed fare increases for buses, jeepneys, TNVS, P2P services, and airport taxis due to rising fuel, spare parts, and inflation costs. Proposed hikes include city bus fares rising to P15-P17 base, jeepney fares to P15-P17, TNVS fares up to P75, and airport taxi rates doubling or tripling. Transport groups, including PISTON, said drivers are losing up to P900 daily due to high fuel prices, while Lawyers for Commuters Safety Philippines urged the government to release the P2.5-billion fuel subsidy instead of increasing fares. LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza said the board is reviewing petitions from 2023-2024 and will submit consolidated recommendations after regional reports are collected. The consultation aims to balance drivers’ earnings, commuters’ affordability, and the implementation of transport policies.