The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced on Friday, December 5, 2025, that it will not implement any fare increase for both traditional and modern jeepneys. This decision comes in light of a significant recent decrease in diesel prices across the country.
Economic Impact and Regional Opposition Halt Fare Increase
Transport groups had sought a fare adjustment of P1 to P2, which would have raised the minimum fare from P13 to P14-P15 for traditional jeepneys and from P15 to P16-P17 for modern jeepneys. However, Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez firmly stated that a hike is not warranted at this time.
In a statement, Lopez emphasized the broader economic consequences, particularly for provinces recovering from recent major disasters. "Malaki ang magiging epekto ng taas pasahe sa ekonomiya at sa pangkalahatan, lalo na’t bumabangon pa lang ang ilang probinsyang nasalanta mula sa matinding kalamidad tulad ng nakaraang lindol at bagyo," he explained.
This position was supported by a study from the Department of Economy, Planning and Development. The research indicated that a P1 to P2 increase in the jeepney base fare could elevate the nation's inflation rate over the next two years. Lopez further noted that rising fares would not only affect commuters but could also trigger increases in the prices of basic goods.
Task Force Targets Colorum Vehicles to Protect Legitimate Drivers
LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza revealed that five key regions opposed the proposed fare hike. These include Central Luzon, Calabarzon, the Bicol Region, Central Visayas, and the densely populated Metro Manila. Consultations with transport groups also showed that many PUV operators themselves were hesitant to raise fares.
To address the root cause of income loss for drivers, the government is taking a different approach. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and LTFRB, in partnership with the Department of Justice and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, have established an Anti-Colorum Task Force.
This new body will crack down on individuals and groups operating unregistered or "colorum" public utility vehicles. An LTFRB study found that up to 30 percent of income for legitimate PUV drivers and operators is lost to these illegal competitors.
A Call for Legitimacy and Fair Competition
In a related move, Chair Mendoza appealed to unregistered PUVs, especially Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers and operators, to legalize their status. He pointed to the 17,000 available registration slots for TNVS as a golden opportunity.
"Magandang pagkakataon ito para talikuran ang ilegal na gawain. Tinitiyak namin na magiging patas at mabilis ang proseso. Mas mabuti na ito kaysa palaging mabuhay sa takot na mahuli, makulong at magmulta ng malaki," Mendoza stated, encouraging them to join the legal transport system.
The government's dual strategy—rejecting a fare hike while aggressively pursuing colorum operations—aims to stabilize transport costs for the public while ensuring a fair and sustainable livelihood for compliant drivers and operators.
