Palace: Fare hike balances PUV needs, commuter burden

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The latest fare increase was implemented to balance the needs of public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers with the financial burden on commuters, Malacañang said Monday as higher fares took effect amid a transport strike.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the fare hike was prompted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has affected petroleum prices worldwide.

“Maraming nabibigatan sa pagtaas ng pasahe pero kailangan ding balansihin para sa kapakanan ng mga nasa transport sector at para sa ating commuters,” Castro said in a press briefing.

(Many commuters are burdened by the fare increase, but it is also necessary to strike a balance for the welfare of those in the transport sector and our commuters.)

“Hindi nga lang sa presyong gusto nila (PUV drivers) kundi sa presyo or amount na makatao para hindi naman din mabigatan ng iba nating mga kababayan,” she added.

(It may not be the amount the PUV drivers wanted, but a reasonable amount so that other Filipinos will not be unduly burdened.)

Under the new rates approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the minimum fare for ordinary jeepneys increased from P13 to P14 for the first four kilometers. The fare for every succeeding kilometer rose to P2.

For modern public utility jeepneys, the minimum fare increased to P17, with an additional P2.40 for every succeeding kilometer.

The minimum fare for ordinary city buses increased to P15 for the first five kilometers, with an additional P2.49 per succeeding kilometer. The minimum fare for air-conditioned city buses increased to P18, with nearly P3 charged for every succeeding kilometer.

Provincial bus fares increased by P2 to P3 per succeeding kilometer, depending on the type of bus, while UV Express fares increased by P2.60 to P3 per succeeding kilometer.

Taxi flag-down rates now range from P65 to P90, depending on the type of taxi, while the flag-down rate for airport taxis increased from P75 to P115. There was no increase in the per-kilometer rate for both types of taxis.

Transport network vehicle service (TNVS) fares likewise increased depending on the type of vehicle, while a P15 pickup fee per kilometer was also approved. Fares for point-to-point buses increased by 15%.

Protesters vs. fines

During the first day of the three-day strike, transport group Manibela criticized the LTFRB over its statement that drivers who join the strike could face fines.

The LTFRB warned transport operators that their franchises could be at risk if most of their fleets failed to operate during the planned transport strikes. Operators may be issued a show-cause order and fined P5,000 for a first offense for failing to operate as required under their franchises.

Castro expressed hope that PUV drivers and operators would recognize the government's efforts to assist them.

She said the fuel subsidy and cash aid provided to PUV drivers would continue despite the implementation of the fare hike.