Philippines Public Transport Faces Fare Hikes Amidst Rising Fuel Costs

Filipinos will soon face increased costs for most modes of public transportation, effective Thursday, March 19, 2026, as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) implements fare adjustments driven by rising fuel prices.

LTFRB Announces Provisional Fare Increases

The fare increases were announced on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, by LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza, who described the decision as “one of the hardest decisions of the board” due to the “erratic” surge in fuel prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East . The adjustments consider fuel prices, the cost of spare parts and vehicle maintenance, types of transport service and the nationwide average minimum wage increase of 19% or P76 from 2022 to 2025.

The new fare matrix is based on fuel prices ranging from P75 to P80 per liter. These fare increases are provisional and will become permanent by June 2026 with the issuance of new fare matrices. Should fuel prices decrease significantly, the LTFRB indicated it could implement a provisional fare reduction.

Fare Adjustments by Transport Type

Public Utility Jeepneys

For traditional jeepneys, the minimum fare increases by P1, or 8%, to P14 from P13. The rate for each succeeding kilometer rises to P2 from P1.80. Modern jeepney fares increase by P2, or 13%, raising the minimum fare to P17 from P15, with a per-kilometer rate of P2.40 from P2.20.

Metro or City Buses

Ordinary buses spot a P2 increase, or 15%, bringing the minimum fare to P15 from P13. The per-kilometer rate increases to P2.49 from P2.25. Air-conditioned buses experience a P3 increase, or 20%, setting the minimum fare at P18 from P15, with a per-kilometer rate of P2.98 from P2.65.

Ride-Hailing Cars (TNVS)

The base fare for ride-hailing services increases by P20 across all vehicle types:

• Sedan: P65 (from P45 – 44% increase)
• AUV/SUV: P75 (from P55 – 36% increase)
• Hatchback: P55 (from P35 – 57% increase)
• Premium: P165 (from P145 – 13% increase)

The per-kilometer rate remains at P15, with no changes to per-minute travel time charges. A trip from Gateway Mall II to SM Masinag will now cost approximately P275.

Point-to-Point (P2P) Buses

P2P bus fares increase by 15% based on existing route rates. For example, the fare for the Ortigas to Makati route (8 km) increases from P60 to P69. The longest P2P route, NAIA to Clark (113 km), will cost P460, up from P400.

Airport Taxi

Airport taxi fares increase by P40, or 53%, for the first 500 meters, bringing the flag-down rate to P115 from P75. Rates for succeeding distance and waiting time remain unchanged.

Provincial Buses

Fare increases for provincial buses took effect on Saturday, March 14, 2026, and are calculated as follows:

• PUB provincial (airconditioned, Super Deluxe, Deluxe): P0.35 per kilometer
• PUB provincial (luxury): P0.45 per kilometer
• PUB provincial (ordinary): P1 on the base fare and P0.30 on the succeeding kilometer

Motorcycle Taxi Fare Adjustments Under Review

Fare adjustments for motorcycle taxis are still under review, pending a petition filed by riders in March 2026.

The LTFRB is an agency of the Republic of the Philippines under the Department of Transportation (DOTr), established on June 19, 1987 .