Major transport groups have expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for approving the implementation of the previously approved fare increases.
In a September 27 press release, the LTFRB said transport groups from the public land transportation sector welcomed the fare adjustment, which they described as a long-term measure to address the impact of rising fuel prices on their operating costs.
The statement was signed by leaders of the Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippines, Southern Luzon Bus Operators Association, and Mega Manila Consortium.
The groups said the fare adjustment would help operators continue providing safe and roadworthy buses, maintain routes, protect jobs and serve communities.
They also thanked Marcos, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez, LTFRB Acting Chairperson Greg Pua Jr., and LTFRB board members for responding to their concerns.
The groups earlier appealed to the President for long-term assistance following another increase in fuel prices.
While they acknowledged government assistance, including a ₱12-per-liter fuel subsidy and three-month cash assistance for modern public transportation operators, the groups said these measures were limited and did not address the long-term impact of higher fuel costs on drivers and operators.
Following the appeal, Marcos directed Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez to study the concerns raised by the transport sector and find a solution that would balance the interests of commuters and public utility vehicle operators.
Lopez then directed the LTFRB to review the concerns, including arguments raised during public consultations and analyses related to the proposed fare increase.
The LTFRB said Acting Chairperson Greg Pua subsequently complied with the directive, leading to the recommendation to implement the fare adjustments approved in March 2026.
“The LTFRB has weighed the interests of the commuting public against what it now costs to keep units on the road,” the board said in its recommendation.
The agency added that the previously approved fare adjustments were necessary amid continued fuel price volatility to balance commuters’ interests with the need to maintain a viable public transportation system.
The transport groups acknowledged that the fare increase would add to the financial burden of commuters, particularly amid rising living costs.
They said the adjustment was necessary to help sustain public transportation services and committed to providing safe buses, reliable trips, proper maintenance and better passenger service.
The fare adjustments will take effect on Monday, September 28.
