The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved fare increases for jeepneys and buses nationwide, with the specific amounts to be announced on Tuesday, March 16, 2026, according to LTFRB Chairperson Vigor Mendoza.
The decision comes as the Philippines braces for another round of significant oil price hikes, with diesel projected to rise by P19 to P22 per liter and gasoline by P12 to P16 per liter next week.
Fare Increase Confirmed, Amounts Under Review
Speaking to GMA Integrated News on Sunday, March 15, Mendoza confirmed that the fare increase is certain but emphasized that the regulatory board still needs to justify the specific amounts to Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez.
"Yung pagtataas, sigurado na po yun. Yung amount, ayan ang kailangan pa namin i-justify kay DOTR Secretary Giovanni Lopez," Mendoza said in a statement.
The LTFRB chief stressed that the board is balancing the needs of transport operators with the potential burden on commuters. "Hindi naman natin kayang lubohin yan, lakihan na napakalaki dahil mahihirapan masyado 'yung ating mga mananakay," he explained.
Coordination with Government Agencies on Inflation Impact
The LTFRB is coordinating with other government agencies to assess the potential impact of the fare adjustments on inflation rates. Mendoza indicated that the board is mindful of how transportation cost increases could trigger broader price increases across various goods and services.
"We also coordinate with other government agencies 'yung impact on inflation. Ayaw nating mag tumaas masyodo ang ating mga bilihin dahil sa ating gagawin," the LTFRB chairperson said.
This coordination reflects the government's recognition that transportation costs are a significant factor in the country's overall inflation rate, particularly affecting the prices of basic commodities.
Coverage and Scope of Fare Adjustments
The approved fare hike will cover all public utility vehicles whose operators previously filed petitions for fare increases, including traditional jeepneys and various types of buses operating across the Philippines.
However, the fare adjustments will not immediately apply to taxis and UV Express vehicles. According to the LTFRB, petitions for these vehicle categories have only recently been approved and still require comprehensive hearings and a nationwide consultation program before implementation.
The staggered approach to fare adjustments demonstrates the regulatory board's commitment to following proper procedures for each vehicle category, ensuring that all stakeholders have opportunities to participate in the decision-making process.
Transport Groups React to Fare Increase
Transport operators and drivers have expressed mixed reactions to the announced fare increases, with many emphasizing the ongoing financial challenges faced by the sector.
Melencio Vargas, president of the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP), told Super Radyo dzBB that jeepney drivers will continue operations despite financial hardships, as many lack alternative sources of income.
"Kami ay magtitiis talaga. Makapag-uwi kami ng 300 to 400 pesos, kahit paano pambili na ng bigas 'yun," Vargas said, highlighting the modest daily earnings of many drivers.
Vargas also noted that subsidies from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the LTFRB would help address some of the financial needs of transport operators and drivers.
PISTON Plans Continued Protests
The Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) announced plans to continue protest actions related to the effects of the Middle East conflict on fuel prices.
PISTON national president Mody Floranda told dzBB that the organization views continued demonstrations as a legitimate right, citing the impact of international conflicts on domestic fuel costs.
"Karapatan nating ituloy ang pagkilos na ito. Dahil dun sa malaking ginagawa ng Estados Unidos 'yung usapin ng agresyon ay isa tayo sa tinatamaan bunga ng nagaganap na giyera," Floranda said.
The transport leader called for an end to what the group perceives as international aggression affecting fuel prices globally. PISTON plans to hold a press conference on Monday to announce specific dates for planned transport strikes.
Oil Price Surge Drives Transport Cost Pressures
The fare increase announcement comes against the backdrop of significant volatility in global oil markets, with local fuel prices experiencing substantial increases in recent weeks.
Industry analysts project that diesel prices could rise by P19 to P22 per liter, while gasoline prices may increase by P12 to P16 per liter in the coming week. These projected increases represent some of the most significant fuel price hikes in recent months.
The oil price surge directly impacts public transportation operators, who face increased operational costs for fuel, maintenance, and other vehicle-related expenses. Many operators have struggled to maintain profitable operations amid rising costs and limited fare adjustments in previous months.
Regional Impact and Implementation
For Negros Oriental and other provinces, the fare increases will affect both inter-provincial bus services and local jeepney routes. Provincial Public Utility Buses (PUBs) connecting major cities like Dumaguete to Manila and Cebu are expected to see fare adjustments as part of the nationwide implementation.
Local transport cooperatives and individual operators in Negros Oriental will need to await the specific fare matrices to be released by the LTFRB on Tuesday before implementing the new rates.
The timing of the fare increase coincides with the ongoing modernization program for public utility vehicles, which has required many operators to invest in newer, more expensive vehicles while managing increased operational costs.
Next Steps and Timeline
The LTFRB will announce the specific fare amounts on Tuesday, March 16, 2026, following final consultations with the Department of Transportation. The announcement is expected to include detailed fare matrices for different vehicle types and route classifications.
Transport operators and the riding public will then have a clearer understanding of how the fare adjustments will affect their daily transportation costs and business operations. The implementation timeline for the new fares will likely be announced alongside the specific amounts on Tuesday.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of LTFRB/GMA News