Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has officially ended the moratorium on public utility vehicle fare adjustments, acting on the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s recommendation to restore rate changes put on hold last March. The new fares take effect this coming Monday, September 28, responding to sustained high fuel costs that have strained the sector.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the Department of Transportation to balance the financial viability of transport operators with the needs of commuters, while keeping public transport reliable and accessible. Stakeholder consultations with transport groups shaped these decisions even before the original suspension, ensuring voices from the sector were heard.
Secretary Lopez noted current fares date back to before the fuel price surge and no longer provide decent earnings for drivers and operators. He said the adjustment is necessary to keep enough vehicles on the road so commuters have dependable transport options.
Rates will rise by P1 for traditional jeepneys, taking the minimum from P13 to P14 for the first four kilometers, plus P2 for each succeeding kilometer. Modern jeepneys see a P2 base fare increase, moving from P15 to P17, with an additional P2.40 per extra kilometer. UV Express already received a provisional hike, while petitions for regular and premium taxi services remain under review.
All affected public utility vehicles must display updated fare matrices inside units before applying new charges; full schedules are available on the LTFRB website. Lopez confirmed the mandatory 20 percent discount stays in place for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. He thanked transport groups and commuters for their understanding, emphasizing that balancing fair earnings and fair costs remains the department’s priority.
