LTFRB Announces Significant Fare Increases Across All Public Transport Modes
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has officially declared a comprehensive fare adjustment for all public utility vehicles under its jurisdiction, with an average increase of 19 percent. The announcement was made during a press conference at the LTFRB headquarters in Quezon City on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, by Chair Vigor Mendoza II.
Implementation Timeline and Requirements
The fare hikes are scheduled to take effect once officially published by the UP Law Center, which is anticipated to occur by Thursday, March 19, 2026. Mendoza emphasized that the increases will be permanent and can be implemented immediately by operators once they receive their fare guides. A crucial requirement is that all PUVs must display the updated fare matrix inside their vehicles before charging the new rates.
Detailed Breakdown of Fare Adjustments
Traditional Jeepneys: Minimum fare increases from PHP13 to PHP14, with an additional PHP2 for every succeeding kilometer.
Modern Jeepneys: Minimum fare rises from PHP15 to PHP17, plus PHP2.30 for each subsequent kilometer.
Airport Taxis: Flagdown rate for the first 500 meters jumps from PHP75 to PHP115, while charges for additional 300-meter increments and waiting time remain unchanged.
Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS): Base fares see substantial increases: sedans from PHP45 to PHP65, AUVs from PHP55 to PHP75, hatchbacks from PHP35 to PHP55, and premium TNVS from PHP145 to PHP165. A PHP15 pick-up fare per kilometer has been added, though per-kilometer and per-minute charges stay the same.
Ordinary Buses in Metro Manila and Cities: Minimum fare increases from PHP13 to PHP15 for the first 5 kilometers, with PHP2.49 for every additional kilometer.
Air-Conditioned Buses in Metro Manila and Cities: Minimum fare rises from PHP15 to PHP18 for the first 5 kilometers, plus PHP2.98 for each succeeding kilometer.
Provincial Ordinary Buses: A PHP1 increase for the first 5 kilometers, with varying charges for additional kilometers based on bus type.
Ordinary Taxis and UV Express: Fare hike petitions from transport groups are currently under review, with no immediate changes announced.
Rationale Behind the Fare Adjustments
Mendoza stated that the decision was "thoroughly deliberated and supported by data and analysis" conducted by the LTFRB, Department of Transportation, and Department of Economy, Planning and Development. He highlighted the timing as particularly relevant, noting that "the transport sector is currently facing a serious challenge on the prices of petroleum products as a result of the Middle East tensions."
Government Support Measures
Concurrently, the Department of Transportation, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Metro Manila local governments have initiated fuel subsidy distributions for tricycle drivers across 30 sites in the region. This program is set to expand in the coming weeks to include drivers and operators of other public land transport modes, aiming to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices exacerbated by Middle East conflicts.
