LTFRB confirms fare hikes of up to 19% for buses and jeepneys

The price of crude oil is still volatile as tensions in the Middle East continue to delay oil shipments around the world. In light of rising fuel prices, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has confirmed that fare hikes will apply for jeepneys and buses to aid drivers amidst this situation. The LTFRB says that it will announce the specific amounts on Tuesday, March 17.

In a radio interview by DZMM with LTFRB chairman Vigor Mendoza II, he explained that the LTFRB is working with a 19% ceiling for the increase, based on a previous increase in minimum wage. “We try as much as we can to work around that 19% increase in minimum wage,” said Mendoza, “para lang masabayan ng transport fares ang pag-akyat ng minimum wage.”

PHOTO BY Kara Santos

Mendoza also acknowledges the difficulty for commuters since transport fares are not the only expense in a Filipino family’s budget. In a separate interview with GMA News Online, Mendoza explained that the LTFRB is also coordinating with other government agencies to limit the impact of inflation.

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In a radio interview with DZBB, the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP) president Melencia Vargas said that jeepney drivers have no choice but to continue with operating, since it is their only means of livelihood, with many of them having limited education or being senior citizens.

“Kami ay magtitiis talaga,” said Vargas. “Makapag-uwi kami ng P300 to P400, kahit paano pambili na ng bigas ’yun.”

While the announcement on March 17 will only apply to jeepney and metro bus fares, pending adjustments are also in the works for P2P buses, airport taxis, TNVS, and motorcycle-taxis. The petitions of these groups will undergo hearings and consultations with the results to be announced at a later date. Provincial buses have already implemented fare hikes over the weekend of March 14 and March 15.