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LTFRB hears fare hike pleas

Sean A. Magbanua · Aug 1, 2026, 10:31 PM

(July 31 2026) Public transport load and unload passengers at Philcoa along Commonwealth avenue in Quezon City on Friday July 31 2026. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has started the deliberation on the fare hike petitions filed by five transport groups amid the increases in fuel prices brought by the ongoing Middle East conflict. The petitions cover public utility jeepneys (PUJ), passenger buses, UV Express, taxis, and motorcycle taxis, fare hike petitions were filed by PISTON, Metro Comet Transport Service Cooperative, UV Express National Alliance of the Philippines, United Transportation Coalition of the Philippines, and Manibela. Photo/Analy Labor

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will hold a public hearing Monday on petitions seeking fare increases for jeepneys, UV Express units, motorcycle taxis and taxis as transport groups cite rising operating costs and volatile fuel prices.

LTFRB chair Vigor Mendoza II said three transport groups have filed separate petitions for jeepney fare hikes, seeking increases ranging from P2 to P10.

“For jeepneys, three groups filed different petitions. One is asking for a P2 increase, another for P5 and another for P10,” Mendoza said.

He acknowledged the challenge posed by the wide range of requests.

“We do not understand how we will proceed when what they are asking for varies so widely. This hearing will give each petitioner the opportunity to explain the basis of the request,” he said.

Mendoza said the LTFRB will consider several factors before deciding on the petitions, including commuters’ ability to pay, inflation and fuel prices.

The agency will also seek data from the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development to assess the inflationary impact of any fare adjustment and hear the positions of commuter and student groups.

Petitions filed by UV Express operators seek a P5 fare increase, while motorcycle taxi operators are asking for higher fares without specifying an amount. Taxi operators are seeking increases in both the flag-down rate and per-kilometer charges.