Philippines approves jeepney fare increases to take effect Monday

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has approved fare increases for public utility vehicles (PUVs) across the Philippines, with Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez giving his endorsement to recommendations from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). The new fares will take effect on Monday, September 28.

The approval marks the end of a fare increase suspension that had been imposed in March 2026. The LTFRB had recommended lifting the suspension, a proposal that Lopez accepted, allowing operators to implement the previously approved rate adjustments.

The move comes as transportation operators have sought relief from operating costs amid economic pressures. The fare adjustment is expected to affect jeepneys and other public utility vehicles that form a critical part of the country's mass transportation network, particularly in urban and provincial areas.

Commuters across the archipelago should expect higher fares when boarding these vehicles from the scheduled implementation date. The approval follows months of discussions between regulators and transport operators regarding cost management and service sustainability.