Commuters to pay higher PUV fares starting September 28

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has announced new fares for public utility vehicles (PUVs) effective Monday, covering traditional and modern jeepneys, city and provincial buses, point-to-point services, Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS), and airport taxis.

The LTFRB released the updated fare matrices on its website.

For traditional jeepneys, the minimum fare for the first four kilometers rose by P1 to P14, with P2 for every succeeding kilometer. Modern jeepneys saw a P2 increase in base fare, from P15 to P17, with P2.40 for every succeeding kilometer.

For city buses, the ordinary fare for the first five kilometers increased from P13 to P15, with succeeding kilometers rising from P2.25 to P2.49. Air-conditioned city buses went from P15 to P18 for the first five kilometers, with succeeding kilometers rising from P2.65 to P2.98.

Provincial buses likewise recorded increases. Ordinary provincial buses rose from P11 to P12 for the first five kilometers, with succeeding kilometers from P1.90 to P2.20. Air-conditioned provincial buses adjusted to P2.45 per succeeding kilometer from P2.10; deluxe to P2.60 from P2.25; super deluxe to P2.70 from P2.35; and luxury to P3.35 from P2.90.

Point-to-point services were granted a 15 percent increase on existing fares.

Airport taxis recorded the largest base fare increase, with the flag-down rate for the first 500 meters rising from P75 to P115. The rates for every 300 meters and every two minutes were unchanged.

TNVS fares also increased. Sedan bookings rose from P45 to P65, AUV/SUV from P55 to P75, hatchback from P35 to P55, and premium from P145 to P165. Pick-up fare was set at P15 per kilometer.

Meanwhile, fare adjustment petitions for regular, premium silver, and premium gold taxi services remain pending with the LTFRB. The posted provisional rates show regular taxi service at a P65 flag-down rate from P50, premium silver at P80 from P50, and premium gold at P95 from P60.

UV Express units already have a provisional fare increase, with rates at P2.60 per kilometer for traditional units and P3.00 per kilometer for modern units.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the adjustment was necessary to ensure sufficient public transport on the road.

"Itong umiiral na pamasahe sa PUVs, ito na 'yung pamasahe bago pa man 'yung fuel crisis. Kaya hindi na ito sapat para magkaroon nang maayos na kita 'yung ating mga driver at operator (The current PUV fare is the same fare from before the fuel crisis. It is no longer enough for our drivers and operators to earn properly)," he said.

Transport groups expressed gratitude to Lopez, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and Acting LTFRB chairperson Greg Pua Jr. for the fare adjustment, which they described as a long-term solution to rising operational costs.

"The fare adjustment provides essential support for operators to continue dispatching safe and roadworthy buses, maintain routes, protect jobs and serve communities throughout the country," the statement of three major bus operator groups read.

Leaders of the Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippines, Southern Luzon Bus Operators Association, and Mega Manila Consortium signed the statement.

The groups also sought understanding from commuters.

"We also recognize that any increase in fares is an additional burden on our passengers, especially at a time when every Filipino family is managing a higher cost of living. It is not a reason for celebration, but a necessary measure to help preserve the public transport service on which millions of Filipinos depend on," they said.

Lopez ordered that PUVs must continue to give mandatory 20 percent fare discounts to students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

PUVs with approved fare adjustments must post their updated fare matrices in their respective units before charging passengers the new rates. (PNA)