The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday approved a fare increase for public utility vehicles (PUVs), citing rising operating costs and the need to maintain sustainable public transport services.
DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez confirmed that he had issued a memorandum directing the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to lift its suspension on fare adjustments.
Dated September 24, the memorandum supports the fare adjustment previously approved by the LTFRB in March 2026.
The DOTr said the decision took into account the increasing costs faced by public transport operators and the need to keep public transportation services available and sustainable.
The LTFRB was directed to require operators and drivers to post the new fare matrices inside their vehicles before collecting the adjusted fares.
The board was also instructed to ensure that mandatory fare discounts for students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) remain in effect.
The LTFRB must inform commuters of the new fares, monitor compliance and act on complaints involving overcharging.
The fare adjustment comes as transport regulators consider petitions for higher fares amid rising fuel prices and mounting calls from drivers and operators for relief from increasing operating expenses.
Transport group Piston has also announced a nationwide transport strike on September 29 and 30, citing surging fuel prices.
