The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Friday said it has begun consolidating all pending fare hike petitions — including those filed by passenger jeepney operators since August 2023 — as part of efforts to resolve public transport issues that have contributed to what Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez earlier described as a “chaotic” system.

LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said the agency is reviewing more than 37,000 pending petitions and motions, with fare increase requests among those requiring urgent action. Mendoza noted that initial consultations showed some public utility vehicles (PUVs) stopped operating because they could no longer cope with high fuel and maintenance costs.

“Nauunawaan natin ang sitwasyon ng ating mga kababayan sa PUV sector dahil talaga namang nagtaas ang presyo ng mga krudo at mga bilihin, kasama na yung mga spare parts,” Mendoza said. “But we need to balance everything… We must find the best solution acceptable to both the PUV sector and commuters.”

At least five major transport groups previously sought a P5 increase in the minimum fare for the first four kilometers and P1 for every succeeding kilometer. A P1 provisional increase was granted at the time while fuel subsidies were released to support operators.

Fare hike petitions from bus and taxi groups were also filed beginning 2024. Several transport groups have since appealed for a review, saying their members are earning too little to sustain operations.

Mendoza said the LTFRB is currently assessing how many issued franchises remain operational, noting Secretary Lopez had observed a shortage of PUVs on the road.

“All Regional Directors have been ordered to hold public consultations on fare increase, with results and recommendations submitted to my office by November 14,” he said. Findings will be forwarded to the DOTr by November 17. Economic managers will also be consulted before any final decision.

Public consultations will include jeepney, bus, and taxi operators.