Higher transport fares approved as fuel costs rise

Public transport fares are set to rise as the government seeks to help drivers and operators cope with surging fuel costs while keeping the impact on commuters in check.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the fare adjustment was intended to strike a balance between the needs of the transport sector and the millions of Filipinos who rely on public transportation.

“Alam natin na maraming mabibigatan sa pagtaas na ito ng pasahe. Pero dapat balance ito para sa kapakanan ng transport sector at ng ating commuters. Hindi puwedeng isang grupo lang ang panalo,” Castro said during a Malacañang press briefing.

Under the new rates, the minimum fare for traditional jeepneys will increase to ₱14 from ₱13, while modern jeepney fares will rise to ₱17 from ₱15.

Higher fares will also apply to buses, UV Express, taxis, transport network vehicle services and point-to-point buses.

Castro said the government would continue assisting transport workers affected by rising fuel prices, including through fuel subsidies.

“Ang pagbibigay ng mga ayuda, nandiyan ang fuel subsidy. Sila nga ang unang binigyan ng ayuda,” she said.

Despite the fare increases, discounts for students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities will remain in effect.

The Palace said it would continue studying measures to ease the burden of higher transportation and fuel costs on commuters.

At the same time, the government said it respects the public’s right to peaceful protest and called on transport groups to ensure that their demonstrations remain orderly and peaceful.