Talks begin on fare hike petitions

MANILA, Philippines — Deliberations on fare hike petitions filed by five transport groups have started, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said inflation and commuters’ capability to pay for adjusted fares would be considered.

Operational costs have risen due to substantial increases in prices of petroleum products, according to the transport groups.

Fare hike petitions cover jeepneys, buses, utility vehicle express, taxis and motorcycle taxis.

The petitioners are Piston, Manibela, Metro Comet Transport Service Cooperative, UV Express National Alliance of the Philippines and United Transportation Coalition of the Philippines.

Manibela and Piston are seeking fare hikes of P2 and P10, respectively.

The current minimum fare for jeepneys is P13.

“We are reviewing and discussing all pending petitions for fare hike and as per instruction by Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, we have to come up with the recommendation in the soonest possible time,” Mendoza said.

Lopez earlier tasked the LTFRB to recompute fare adjustments based on pending fare hike petitions, particularly from Manibela and Piston.

“We assure everybody that the LTFRB will consider the interests of the transport sector, while ensuring that the welfare of commuters and the general public is protected,” Mendoza said.