Transport communities welcome LTFRB fare adjustment, cite relief for drivers amid fuel price surges

Transport community groups welcomed the decision of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to adjust the base fares for transport network vehicle service (TNVS), calling the move a much-needed relief for transport professionals grappling with rising fuel and operating costs.

The TNVS fare structure has remained unchanged since 2019 despite the unabated hikes in oil pump prices even before the Middle East conflict erupted, and the decision by government regulators to adjust the fares upward was a recognition of the challenges confronting drivers and operators, according the TNVS sector.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the LTFRB and the DoTr (Department of Transportation) for heeding our long-standing call for a fair and just adjustment of the base fare,” said Walter Lugay, spokesperson of TNVS Community Philippines. “This decision is a vital recognition of the challenges faced by ordinary drivers and operators in today’s volatile economic climate.”

Lugay also acknowledged Grab’s role in helping ensure that the concerns of drivers were heard through dialogues with regulators in recent weeks. “We also recognize the leadership of Grab for their steadfast support in ensuring that our grievances reached the regulators through constructive dialogues over the past weeks.”

“This fare adjustment is more than just a price increase; it is a lifeline to ensure driver retention — preventing our members from leaving the service due to unsustainable operating costs,” he added.

Under the fare adjustments set by the LTFRB, the TNVS base fare will increase by P20, while the pick-up fare per kilometer will increase by P15. This brings the new base fares to P65 from P45 for sedans; P75 from P55 for AUVs; P55 from P35 for hatchbacks; and P165 from P145 for premium TNVS. The LTFRB said there will be no increase in the per-kilometer and per-minute travel time charges for TNVS.

At the same time, the group emphasized that easing these financial burdens will also help ensure that vehicles remain roadworthy and safe for passengers, while supporting the continued delivery of reliable service to the riding public.

“By addressing these financial burdens, we can help ensure that our vehicles remain in top condition for the safety of our passengers,” Lugay added. “We remain committed to providing safe, reliable, and high-quality service, serving as partners with the government and the public in keeping our transport system stable and dependable.”

According to the United Transportation Coalition Philippines, Inc. (UTCP), the LTFRB’s decision reflects government recognition of the challenges all transport workers across sectors deal with every day.

“We thank the LTFRB for listening to the appeals raised by our coalition through a series of dialogues,” said Lisza Buscaino-Redulla, president of UTCP.

“It means a great deal to our sector that the government saw and heard our concerns — from our call for immediate assistance to our appeal for a fair increase in the base fare — especially amid the mega oil price hikes that continue to weigh heavily on the livelihoods of drivers,” she added.

The coalition also said it will continue to monitor market developments and their impact on transport professionals nationwide, while sustaining its engagement with relevant government agencies.

“We will continue to monitor market movements and their effects on transport professionals across the country,” Buscaino-Redulla said. “At the same time, we remain open and proactive in engaging the relevant government agencies to help ensure that every measure responds to the real conditions on the road and helps sustain a fair and humane livelihood for every driver.”

The LTFRB earlier announced fare adjustments across multiple land public transport modes, citing the need to balance commuter welfare with the viability of the transport sector amid extraordinary increases in fuel, maintenance, and operational costs.

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