MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has directed all its regional offices to assist public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers in securing fare guides, paving the way for the full implementation of the approved fare increase nationwide.
Acting LTFRB chairman Greg Pua Jr. likewise called on transport groups and PUV operators to assist their members and employed drivers in downloading and printing the fare guide, which is readily accessible on the LTFRB website.
"We have been monitoring the implementation of the fare increase as part of (Department of) Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez’ instruction, and in doing so, we came across reports that some drivers are hesitant to charge their passengers the additional fare due to the absence of the fare matrix," said Pua.
"We wish to inform our fellow operators and drivers that the fare matrix is not currently required to implement the fare increase. What is needed is the fare guide, which can be downloaded quickly from the LTFRB website," he added.
This initiative was in line with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.'s directive to ensure a fast and practical approach to delivering services to the Filipino people, according to the acting LTFRB head.
Pua's directive to all Regional Franchising and Regulatory Offices (RFROs) was stipulated in a Sept. 25 memorandum issued in connection with the implementation of the fare increase beginning September 28.
In the memorandum, the LTFRB authorized concerned PUV operators to download and print the applicable temporary fare guide reflecting the newly approved fare rates from the LTFRB website at https://ltfrb.gov.ph/fare-rates/.
"Alternatively, RFROs may adopt other appropriate means of distributing or releasing the fare guide/matrix to operators and drivers within their respective jurisdictions," the memorandum said
It also indicated that the issuance of the fare matrix reflecting the authorized fare rates will commence in January next year, upon payment of the applicable fare increase fee during the confirmation of units.
The temporary fare guide/matrix downloaded from the LTFRB shall be valid only until Dec. 31, 2026, the bureau said.
"Effective Jan. 12027, concerned PUV operators shall be required to secure and display, as applicable, the official fare guide/matrix issued by the LTFRB," the top LTFRB official said.
