LTFRB prepares for new fare hike hearings

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board announced this Wednesday that it will schedule a series of hearings in the upcoming weeks to discuss a potential fare increase.

This development comes after the agency received various petitions from drivers, as the cost of oil and vehicle maintenance has risen in recent weeks.

Just yesterday, February 17, Seaoil, Jetti Petroleum, and Caltex announced that the price of gasoline would increase by P1.20 per liter, while both diesel and kerosene would rise by 60 centavos.

It marked the sixth consecutive week that all three fuels experienced simultaneous increases, leaving some drivers unable to make ends meet and limiting the number of trips they can take.

“We will be holding two hearings next week to discuss all the issues surrounding the petitions for fare increase. And we will be holding weekly hearings in relation to the matter after the fact,” Mendoza stated.

The LTFRB Chairperson explained that the department had long tried to find workarounds to avoid a fare increase, as it would impact the inflation rate in the Philippine market.

The last fare increase was issued in 2023, when drivers sought to recover from the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This time around, the LTFRB has once again opened its doors to hear the concerns of drivers, as fuel price increases continue due to rising geopolitical tensions affecting oil-supplying countries.

“Drivers and operators are really at a disadvantage in the prevailing fare matrix. The arguments they raised in the petition are valid and really represent the realities on the ground for those in the transport sector,” said Mendoza.

Based on the current petitions submitted, the proposed fare increase for jeepneys would add P2 to the minimum fare, going from P13 to P15 for traditional jeeps and from P15 to P17 for modern or e-jeepneys.

The LTFRB assured commuters that it would also consider the impact on their daily commute before approving the increase, as it seeks to balance the needs of drivers with the public transportation experience of Filipinos.

“Rising costs affect us all, but the government needs to make sure that all sectors of society are able to cope with them,” he mentioned.

Mendoza said the agency will invite and consult experts from various government bodies to gather broader insights before making a final decision, as fare increases for buses and taxis are also under review.