Public transport fares set to rise starting September 28

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 26, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Philstar

PHILIPPINES – Public utility vehicle commuters will start paying higher fares next week after the Department of Transportation approved the implementation of previously suspended fare adjustments.

The fare increase, approved by Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, will take effect Monday, September 28, covering several public transport modes as fuel prices continue to put pressure on operators and drivers.

For traditional jeepneys, the minimum fare will rise from P13 to P14 for the first four kilometers, with an additional P2 for every succeeding kilometer. Modern jeepneys will see their minimum fare increase from P15 to P17, with an additional P2.40 per succeeding kilometer.

The adjustments also cover provincial buses, TNVS and airport taxis, while some taxi fare petitions remain pending. UV Express already has a provisional fare increase.

The fare hikes had originally been approved in March but were suspended as the government sought to shield commuters from the impact of higher fuel prices. The latest decision comes as transport operators report mounting operating costs and fewer buses operating on some routes.

Despite the increase, the DOTr ordered PUV operators to continue providing the mandatory 20 percent fare discount for students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Updated fare matrices must also be posted inside the affected vehicles before the new rates can be collected.

The move comes as the government weighs how to balance the financial pressures facing transport operators with the added burden on commuters, amid continued volatility in fuel prices and elevated inflation.