Philippines: LTFRB to Meet Transport Groups on Fare Hike Petitions Amid Soaring Fuel Costs

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to convene with transport groups on Monday to deliberate on their petitions for a fare increase, a move necessitated by the persistent rise in fuel costs. The scheduled meeting will specifically involve representatives from jeepneys, UV Express units, motorcycle taxis, and taxis. LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II, in a Saturday interview on Super Radyo dzBB, highlighted the significance of the Monday meeting. He stated, "The ones specifically scheduled for Monday are jeepneys, UV Express units, motorcycle taxis, and taxis." Mendoza added, "It will be a good opportunity for each petitioner to thoroughly explain the basis of their petitions." He also confirmed the presence of commuter groups, noting, "Commuter groups will also be present to ask questions, so that we can clarify the best way to move forward with these petitions." The fare hike petitions encompass a range of public transport services, including public utility jeepneys (PUJ), passenger buses, UV Express, taxis, and motorcycle taxis. Prominent transport organizations that have filed these petitions include PISTON, Metro Comet Transport Service Cooperative, UV Express National Alliance of the Philippines, United Transportation Coalition of the Philippines, and Manibela. Specifically, Manibela is advocating for a P2 fare increase, while PISTON has put forth a request for a P10 hike. The current minimum fare for a PUJ ride is P13. In its deliberations, the LTFRB has stated its intention to weigh several critical factors. These include the riding public’s financial capacity to bear higher transportation expenses and the potential ripple effect of any fare adjustment on the prices of essential goods and services, thereby contributing to inflation. Chairman Mendoza elaborated on the complexity of the decision-making process: "That is the most difficult decision of the board, we are balancing the interest of the operator and the interest of the commuters. But definitely 'yung popularity of the decision is not a factor on our decision." He also pointed to the potential consequences of inaction, warning, "The problem there is, if we don't raise the rates, our vehicles might stop operating." In a related development, the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP) had previously expressed its hope that the government would consider augmenting the per-liter fuel subsidy for public utility vehicles from the current P10 to P15, in response to the recent surge in oil prices. Source: GMA Money Philippines