LTFRB, TNVS companies begin fare hike talks

MANILA – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday met with transport network vehicle service (TNVS) stakeholders to discuss their proposed fare hike and other concerns.

In a news release, LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II said the meeting was the first in a series of consultations in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to ensure the welfare of those in the public transport sector.

“We want to hear all sides in the spirit of fairness because the discussion on fare increase is a sensitive issue that does not only involve the commuters but our economy as well,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza asked TNVS stakeholders to submit documents necessary for the deliberation on whether a fare increase on TNVS is justifiable.

“We really hope that they will comply because if they do not, that makes it complicated for us because we will be relying solely on our own data,” he said.

Issues raised included the commission of TNVS drivers and operators and the long duty hours of drivers.

While some concerns are beyond the scope of the LTFRB, Mendoza assured they will be consolidated and tackled in dialogues with relevant government agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment and the Office of the Solicitor General.

“Our goal is to come up with a decision that is acceptable to everybody. If there would be fare increase, we assure that there will be a balance between the commuters’ capacity to pay and the need to attend to the concerns of those in the public transport sector,” he said.

The LTFRB also scheduled public consultations with bus, taxi and jeepney stakeholders in the following days and weeks.

On Feb. 18, Mendoza announced that a series of weekly hearings and public consultations will be held with representatives of the public transport sector on their concerns, particularly on fare increases due to oil price hikes.

He noted that various transport groups have filed several fare hike petitions since the PHP1 provisional fare increase was approved back in 2023. (PNA)