Metro Manila, Philippines – The public transport regulator said on Wednesday, Feb. 18, it will hold weekly hearings and public consultations on fare increase petitions of the transport sector in light of successive fuel price increases over the past weeks.
In a statement, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Vigor Mendoza said the review is based on a directive of President Bongbong Marcos Jr. “to strike a balance between the welfare of commuters and those in the transport sector.”
The petitions seek to raise the minimum fare by ₱2, equivalent to ₱15 from ₱13 for traditional jeepneys, and ₱17 from ₱15 for modern jeepneys.
“The same petitions seek an additional charge for every succeeding kilometer beyond the four-kilometer distance covered by the minimum fare,” the statement read.
The regulator said consultations will be held with other agencies, such as the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, to provide a “win-win solution” for commuters and transport groups.
Mendoza also acknowledged how the petitions may impact commuters, adding that drivers and operators must also be considered.
Experts will be tapped to provide insights on the petitions and how these will affect the economy.
