A fare hike for public utility vehicles (PUVs) has taken effect today, September 28, announced the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

In an interview on Rapido Hataw Balita, LTFRB Acting Chairperson Greg Pua confirmed the fare hike, explaining that the transport sector has borne the brunt of the oil crisis caused by the persistent conflict in the Middle East.

“Nakita naman po natin na talaga pong naapektuhan ang ating mga kapatid sa transportasyon, at nakita po ng pamahalaan, nakita po ni Presidente po na kailangang kailangan na po na mai-adjust ‘yung mga fare ng ating pampublikong sasakyan, dahil nga po sa nangyayaring gulo sa Middle East, which affects po ‘yung oil crisis, hindi lang naman po sa Pilipinas, kundi sa buong mundo po,” Pua told the anchors.

Pua said that students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are still entitled to a 20 percent discount, as this remains mandatory.

PUV drivers, operators, and commuters alike can refer to a fare guide made accessible by the agency through their website.

Instead of having a fare matrix with destination landmarks, Pua said drivers and commuters can refer to the provided guide while both adjust to the rate increase.

He advised drivers to download the document bearing the rates applicable to their vehicle type, have it printed out, and post it in their vehicles for their commuters to refer to when paying for their ride.

“Fare guide na lang po muna ang gagamitin po natin. ‘Yung fare guide po ay available po siya sa website ng LTFRB na puwede pong i-download ng ating mga kapatid na driver and operators. Tapos ‘yun po, puwede na po nilang i-implement ‘yun pong bagong pamasahe,” Pua said.

As for the groups still pressing for the suspension of excise taxes, Pua recommended that they file a petition and submit evidence that the fare hike does not suffice in covering their fuel and living expenses.

“Doon po sa fare, kung nakukulangan sila, maaari naman po silang mag-petisyon at patunayan po, mag-submit po sila ng ebidensya na hindi po ito sapat. In fact po, mayro’n pa naman pong pending. Ang PISTON po, may pending na petisyon kung saan they are asking for an additional ₱10 minimum fare. Ang MANIBELA naman po ay mayroong petisyon na ₱2 additional fare,” Pua said.

New jeepney fares

Traditional jeepney fares, the flat rate previously at ₱13.00, have been adjusted to ₱14.00 for the first four kilometers. An additional ₱2.00 will be charged for every exceeding kilometer.

Students, the elderly, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) remain entitled to a 20 percent discount, and so will only pay ₱11.25 for the first five kilometers and an additional ₱1.50 for every kilometer beyond that.

Modern, air-conditioned and electric jeepney fares, with a previous minimum rate of ₱15.00, have been raised to ₱17.00 for the first four kilometers. An additional ₱2.50 will be charged for every exceeding kilometer.

Students, the elderly, and PWDs have a special minimum fare of ₱13.50, with an increase of ₱2.00 for every kilometer exceeding four.

New bus fares

For ordinary buses, the regular fare rate is now at ₱15.00 for the first five kilometers from ₱13.00, with a ₱2.50 increase for every additional kilometer.

Students, the elderly, and PWDs will only have to pay a minimum fare of ₱12.00, with ₱2.00 added for every extra kilometer.

For air-conditioned or modern buses, the regular fare rate is now at ₱18.00 for the first five kilometers from the previous ₱15.00, with an added ₱3 per additional kilometer.

Students, the elderly, and PWDs are entitled to a special minimum fare of only ₱14.50, with a ₱2.25 increase per additional kilometer.

New taxi fares

As for regular taxi fare rates, the new flag-down rate has been adjusted to ₱65.00 from ₱50.00. Per kilometer, ₱13.50 will be added to this amount, and ₱2.00 per minute of travel time.

The new premium silver taxi flag-down rate has been raised to ₱80.00, with a ₱17.50 added for every kilometer traveled and ₱2.50 per travel time minute.

Meanwhile, the premium gold taxi flag-down rate is now ₱95.00 with a per kilometer rate of ₱20.50 and an added ₱3.00 for every minute of travel.

Students, senior citizens, and PWDs retain their 20 percent discount privilege in these rides.

For more adjusted fare rates, refer to LTFRB’s website.

Watch the full interview below.