Philippines: Fare Hike Petitions for Public Transport to Be Heard Amid Fuel Price Concerns

MANILA, Philippines — Fare hike petitions will be discussed today by transport groups and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the 9 a.m. hearing covers almost all modes of public land transportation in the country. Representing jeepneys are Piston and Manibela; for utility vehicle express, Metro Comet Transport Service Cooperative, 997 Sandigan Transport Cooperative and UV Express National Alliance of the Philippines. Metro Comet Transport Service Cooperative and Light of Glory Transport Service Inc. will represent taxis; while for motorcycle taxis, United Transportation Coalition of the Philippines. Listed transport groups have submitted fare hike petitions between March and July. “The goal has always been to come up with the best measures that are acceptable not only to the PUV community but also to all the concerned sectors, particularly the commuters because of the continuous challenge that we face as a result of the situation in the Middle East,” Mendoza said. The proposed fare adjustments come amid global fuel price hikes, exacerbated by the ongoing situation in the Middle East. For the Philippine economy, which is heavily reliant on international energy prices, any changes in public transport fares can have a direct impact on household budgets for many citizens. The government faces the challenge of balancing the need to ensure the sustainability of the transport sector with minimizing the burden on the public, especially low-income commuters.