MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced on Tuesday a new round of fare adjustments for public transportation nationwide, citing the continued surge in fuel prices, higher maintenance costs, and increases in the minimum wage. LTFRB chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the decision was among the most difficult taken by the board, as regulators sought to balance the financial sustainability of public transport operators with the ability of commuters to absorb higher fares. Speaking during a press briefing, Mendoza said the board repeatedly recomputed the fare adjustments because of volatile oil prices and other operating costs. “The difficulty here is that the price of fuel is so erratic. Every week we see substantial changes,” Mendoza said. Factors considered in fare adjustments The LTFRB said the new rates were based on several cost drivers affecting transport operators and drivers. Mendoza said the board considered fuel prices ranging from about P75 to P88 per liter, a roughly 14-percent increase in spare parts and maintenance costs, and an average 19-percent rise in the minimum wage between 2022 and 2025. “These numbers would still have to be revalidated later on,” he said, noting that the adjustments were designed to remain below the overall increase in minimum wages to keep fares within the reach of low-income commuters. Jeepney fares For traditional jeepneys, the LTFRB raised the minimum fare to P14 for the first four kilometers from the current P13, making permanent a provisional P1 increase granted in 2023. The adjustment represents an eight-percent increase in the base fare. The per-kilometer rate after the first four kilometers was also increased by P0.20. Modern jeepneys will continue to charge fares that are about 20 percent higher than traditional jeepneys. Using the Cubao–Divisoria route as an example, Mendoza said a 10-kilometer trip that currently costs about P23.80 will rise to around P26, equivalent to roughly a nine-percent increase. Metro bus fares For ordinary city buses in Metro Manila, the base fare for the first five kilometers was raised from P13 to P15, representing a 15-percent increase. The succeeding per-kilometer rate was adjusted from P2.25 to P2.49, or a 10-percent increase. Air-conditioned buses will continue to charge about 20 percent higher than ordinary buses. Under the new rates, a 10-kilometer trip such as the SM Fairview route will increase from about P24.25 to around P27.45, or about 13 percent higher. Provincial bus fares The LTFRB also confirmed earlier fare adjustments for provincial buses that took effect over the weekend. On average, fares rose by P0.35 per kilometer, translating to increases of roughly 14 to 16 percent. For example, Mendoza said a 105-kilometer trip to Batangas that previously cost about P200 will rise to roughly P230 for ordinary buses. Air-conditioned buses on the same route will see fares increase from about P220 to around P257. Meanwhile, the Manila–Baguio route will increase from around P469 to about P542, or roughly a 15-percent increase. Airport taxis and ride-hailing services Airport taxis will also see higher flag-down rates. The LTFRB approved a P40 increase, raising the flag-down fare from P75 to P115. A sample trip from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 to SM Megamall would increase from around P229 to about P269, or a 17-percent jump. The board also approved higher base fares for transport network vehicle services such as Grab and inDrive. The base fare for sedans will rise from P45 to P65, while SUVs will increase from P55 to P75. Hatchbacks will also see a P20 base fare increase. However, the LTFRB said per-kilometer and time-based rates for ride-hailing services will remain unchanged. A new pick-up fee of P15 was also introduced, replacing a temporary P24 pick-up charge allowed during the Christmas season. Point-to-point bus fares For point-to-point (P2P) buses, the board approved a 15-percent fare increase across routes. For example, the Ortigas–Makati route currently priced at P60 will increase to P69, while higher-priced P2P routes costing P400 will rise to around P460. Mendoza said the fare adjustments are expected to take effect as early as Thursday once the LTFRB publishes the order and operators secure the necessary fare guides. Operators may begin collecting the new fares once they receive the official fare guide and post it inside their vehicles. They will have until June to secure the full fare matrix required for permanent implementation. “At the moment, these are provisional adjustments,” Mendoza said. “Once they obtain their fare matrices, these will effectively become permanent.” The LTFRB said it may also order provisional fare reductions if fuel prices drop significantly. Mendoza said the board could initiate a new review if fuel prices fall below around P75 per liter, adding that a provisional reduction could be issued after further study and hearings. Several other fare petitions remain under review, including requests from operators of regular taxis, UV Express vans, motorcycle taxis, and tricycles. Mendoza said the board would evaluate those applications separately through public consultations and hearings.