LTFRB to review fare adjustments amid transport group protests

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has announced it will review proposed fare adjustments amid ongoing protests from transport groups. The decision comes after transport organizations petitioned for a P10 fare hike, citing rising fuel costs due to the Middle East conflict. According to the LTFRB, it plans to issue a final resolution on the fare adjustment rather than an interim one, which was previously implemented to manage the impact of fluctuating petroleum prices. The LTFRB stated that its review is based on directives from Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Z. Lopez. The board mentioned that it will consider input from both the Manibela transport group and the pending petition filed by PISTON, a coalition representing private transport operators. The review aims to ensure that any fare changes account for the economic challenges faced by commuters and the broader economy. Manibela, a prominent transport union, has been at the forefront of recent protests against rising fuel prices. On Wednesday, July 22, the group staged a nationwide strike in response to a sharp increase in diesel and kerosene prices. This follows earlier demonstrations, with the union’s chair, Mar Valbuena, indicating that strikes might extend through Friday, July 24. The strike has disrupted public transportation across several cities, affecting thousands of daily commuters. The LTFRB noted that it is considering multiple factors in its review process, including the ability of commuters to absorb increased transportation costs and the potential ripple effects on the pricing of essential goods and services. The board emphasized that while the current fuel discount program will remain in place, it is exploring ways to expand its coverage to more public utility vehicles (PUVs) and possibly increase the discount amount. In addition to reviewing fare adjustments, the LTFRB is also looking into measures to mitigate the financial burden on transport operators. This includes assessing how the rising cost of fuel impacts the operational expenses of bus companies and jeepney drivers, who often operate on thin margins. The board has not yet released specific figures or timelines for its final decision, though it indicated that the process would take time to ensure all relevant considerations are addressed. Transport groups have expressed concerns that the current fare structure does not adequately reflect the increasing costs of operating their services. Many argue that the existing fare adjustments have not kept pace with inflation or the surge in fuel prices. As a result, they believe that a more substantial fare increase is necessary to maintain service quality and sustainability. The situation reflects a growing tension between transport operators, commuters, and government regulators. While the LTFRB seeks to balance the interests of all parties, the ongoing protests highlight the deepening economic pressures facing the country's transportation sector. With fuel prices continuing to rise, the outcome of the LTFRB’s review could have far-reaching implications for both the industry and the general public.