LTFRB tackling P15 minimum fare proposal

Following a petition filed by transport groups to increase the P13 minimum jeepney fare to P15, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said they will begin hearing the proposal on 19 February.

In a radio interview on Saturday, LTFRB technical division head Joel Bolano stated that the hearing set for Wednesday is for the pending requests of various transport groups submitted since 2023.

The clamor to increase the minimum fare to P15 was not greenlighted at the time. Instead, the LTFRB granted a P1 provisional increase, adjusting the fare from P12 to P13 for traditional jeepneys and from P14 to P15 for modern jeepneys.

“The petition was to increase the minimum fare to P15 from the current P13,” Bolano said.

Earlier, the LTFRB said they had begun reviewing proposals by transport groups for the fare increase, noting that they understand the challenges faced by public utility jeepney drivers and operators due to rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of living.

However, they maintained that they must also carefully balance the welfare of commuters who are equally affected by the current economic conditions.

Amid the request, petroleum products are expected to increase in price on Tuesday, 18 February, a day before the LTFRB hearing for the fare increase.

In its Saturday forecast, petroleum player Unioil Philippines said motorists should expect a fuel price hike from 18 to 24 February.

Diesel is expected to increase by P0.40 to P0.60 per liter, while gasoline will increase by P0.50 to P0.70 per liter.