LTFRB Reviews Fare Hike Petitions Amid Rising Fuel Prices

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has commenced deliberations on petitions for fare hikes filed by five transport groups, citing the recent increases in fuel prices driven by the ongoing Middle East conflict. LTFRB Chairperson Vigor Mendoza stated that all pending fare hike petitions are under review, with instructions to formulate a recommendation as soon as possible. These petitions encompass public utility jeepneys (PUJ), passenger buses, UV Express, taxis, and motorcycle taxis. The transport groups that submitted petitions include PISTON, Metro Comet Transport Service Cooperative, UV Express National Alliance of the Philippines, United Transportation Coalition of the Philippines, and Manibela. Manibela is seeking a P2 increase, while PISTON is requesting a P10 fare hike. The current minimum PUJ fare stands at P13. The LTFRB has previously indicated that decisions will take into account various factors, including the public's capacity to afford higher transportation costs and the potential inflationary impact of any fare increase on the prices of essential goods and services. In related news, the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP) has expressed hope that the government will consider increasing the fuel subsidy for public utility vehicles from P10 to P15 per liter, given the recent surge in oil prices. This situation highlights the delicate balance the Philippine government must strike between supporting the transport sector and mitigating the impact of rising costs on the general populace, especially in the face of persistent inflation concerns.