The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has officially lifted the moratorium on public utility vehicle (PUV) fare increases to address the financial strain on transport operators caused by continuous fuel price hikes.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez greenlit the recommendation from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to execute the rate increases originally approved in March 2026. The revised rates are scheduled to take effect on Monday, September 28.
The decision follows directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who tasked the DOTr with balancing the operational sustainability of public transport against the financial welfare of daily commuters. Stakeholder consultations with multiple transport groups were held prior to the initial approval of the rate changes in March.
Explaining the necessity of the adjustment, Lopez pointed out that current rates no longer reflect economic realities. “The current PUV fare is the same rate that existed even before the fuel crisis,” Lopez said. “Consequently, it is no longer sufficient to ensure decent earnings for our drivers and operators. A fare hike is timely to guarantee that there are enough PUVs on the road and that our commuters have transport options.”
Under the revised fare structure, traditional jeepneys will see a P1 increase in minimum fare, raising the base rate from P13 to P14 for the first four kilometers, alongside an additional P2 charge for every succeeding kilometer. Modern jeepneys will experience a P2 base fare increase, moving from P15 to P17 for the first four kilometers, with an added P2.40 for each kilometer thereafter.
Addressing the public, the transport chief expressed gratitude toward passengers and operators alike. “We thank our transport groups and commuters for your understanding as we study these fare adjustments. We really need to strike a balance in whatever decision the agency makes. You are our top priority in all the programs we implement at the DOTr,” Lopez said.
While provisional increases have already been granted to UV Express vehicles, rate adjustment petitions for regular, premium silver, and premium gold taxi services remain pending before the LTFRB.
To enforce compliance, the DOTr specified that drivers and operators are strictly prohibited from collecting the higher fares until they display the updated fare matrix inside their units. Official fare matrices are available for download directly from the LTFRB website. Secretary Lopez also reaffirmed that all PUV operators must continue honoring the mandatory 20% fare discount for students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.