The Department of Transportation has approved the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board's recommendation to increase public utility vehicle fares, raising the minimum jeepney fare to 14 pesos starting Monday, amid rising fuel costs and operational challenges.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez has approved the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) recommendation to increase the fare for public utility vehicles (PUVs) in the Philippines. The new minimum fare for jeepneys will be raised from 13 pesos to 14 pesos, effective from the coming Monday.
The approved fare adjustment also includes temporary increases for UV Express and taxi services. For jeepneys, the initial increase is 1 peso for the minimum fare, and subsequent kilometer charges will rise to 2 pesos per kilometer from the previous 1.80 pesos.
Modern jeepneys will see their minimum fare increased to 17 pesos from 15 pesos for the first four kilometers, with a per-kilometer charge of 2.40 pesos following, up from 2.20 pesos.
This fare hike was delayed after its initial approval in March but was enacted in response to the prevailing operating costs in the public transport sector, particularly due to rising fuel prices influenced by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Public transport operators have expressed difficulty sustaining operations amid increasing expenses, with some drivers ceasing work or returning to their home provinces because of inadequate earnings.
The DOTr memorandum assures that mandatory discounts for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities will continue unabated.
This move impacts millions of commuters reliant on jeepneys and other PUVs in the Philippines and reflects ongoing efforts to balance operators’ financial viability with commuter affordability.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/balitambayan/balita/1003727/rekomendasyon-ng-ltfrb-sa-taas-pasahe-sa-puvs-aprub-sa-dotr-pamasahe-sa-jeep-gagawing-p14/story/
