LIST: Fare Hikes for Jeepneys, Buses, P2P, Airport Taxis, and TNVS Starting March 19

(SPOT.ph) Commuting in Metro Manila is about to get more expensive.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) confirmed that fares will increase across several modes of public transportation starting March 19. The increase applies to traditional and modern jeepneys, city and provincial buses, point-to-point (P2P) buses, airport taxis, and transport network vehicle services (TNVS) like ride-hailing cars.

LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the adjustment reflects about a 15% increase in fares, compared with 19% wage growth, adding that regulators tried to keep the hike within a level commuters could still manage. Only two groups are not part of the adjustment—regular taxis and motorcycle taxis—though both have already filed their own petitions asking for higher fares.

For commuters, the most noticeable change will be in jeepney fares, with the base fare for traditional jeepneys set at P14 for the first four kilometers. Modern jeepneys will now charge P17 for the same distance.

To give passengers an idea of how the adjustment plays out in real trips, Mendoza cited some common routes: Cubao to Divisoria would increase from P23.80 to P26, while Manila to Baguio would increase from P469 to P542 under the new rates.

The biggest jumps will be felt in direct trips. Ride-hailing services like Grab, Joyride, and inDrive will add P20 to base fares, while airport taxis will raise the flag-down rate by P40 for the first 500 meters. Point-to-point (P2P) buses will also increase fares by up to 15% based on the existing price for each route.

The adjustments don’t stop there. Bus fares will also go up depending on the type of service—city or provincial, ordinary or air-conditioned. You can find all the specifics in LTFRB's updated matrix below.

Also read: LTFRB to Fine TNVS Drivers for Cancelling Bookings They’ve Already Accepted

• Traditional jeepneys — P14 for the first four kilometers, with P0.20 per succeeding kilometer

• Modern jeepneys — P17 for the first four kilometers, then P2.40 per succeeding kilometer

• City buses (ordinary) — P15 for the first five kilometers, then P2.49 per kilometer

• City buses (air-conditioned) — P18 for the first five kilometers, then P2.97 per kilometer

• Provincial buses (ordinary) — P12 for the first five kilometers, then P2.20 per kilometer

• Provincial buses (air-conditioned/deluxe/super deluxe) — P2.45 per succeeding kilometer

• Provincial buses (luxury) — P3.35 per succeeding kilometer

• Airport taxis — add P40 to the base fare for the first 500 meters, bringing the starting rate to P115

• Ride-hailing services — add P20 to the base fare, bringing the starting rate to P65 for sedans, P75 for AUVs, P55 for hatchbacks, and P165 for premium vehicles

• Point-to-point (P2P) buses — 15% fare increase based on existing route fares

The LTFRB reiterated that standard fare discounts will remain in place, with senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and students continuing to receive a 20% discount.

According to Mendoza, the decision was meant to keep transport services afloat as operating costs rise. Diesel prices have climbed to around P75 to P80 per liter this week, a level transport groups say has made it harder for drivers and operators to keep up with expenses like fuel, spare parts, and maintenance.

Transport groups have been pushing for higher fares for years, with some petitions dating back to 2023, but the adjustments were only acted on recently as fuel prices surged following tensions in the Middle East.

The fare hike also coincides with government efforts to cushion motorists from fuel price shocks. A P5,000 fuel subsidy will be distributed to tricycle drivers first, followed by jeepney drivers, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The government has allocated P30 billion for the program.

Also read: No Overcrowding Allowed in Jeepneys, PUVs, and Buses: LTFRB