Heads up, commuters! Here is the updated fare guide for provincial buses
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has now released an updated fare guide for provincial public utility buses.
The approved adjustments, which took effect on March 14, come after the issuance of an order granting a provisional fare increase for various provincial bus classifications.
According to LTFRB, the following provisional fare adjustments shall apply under the updated fare guide:
- PUB Provincial (Airconditioned) – Provisional fare increase of P0.35 per kilometer
- PUB Provincial (Super Deluxe) – Provisional fare increase of P0.35 per kilometer
- PUB Provincial (Deluxe) – Provisional fare increase of P0.35 per kilometer
- PUB Provincial (Luxury) – Provisional fare increase of P0.45 per kilometer
- PUB Provincial (Ordinary) – Provisional fare increase of P1.00 on the base fare and P0.30 on the succeeding kilometer
The agency urged all provincial bus operators to strictly follow the updated fare guide and ensure that the approved fares are properly posted inside their units for the guidance of the riding public.
Passengers are also advised to verify the correct fares and report any incidents of overcharging to the LTFRB through its official communication channels.
Below is the full fare guide for the buses, depending on distance:
The new fares come as the Philippines is facing a price increase on fuel sources caused by tensions in the Middle East. According to The Philippine STAR, diesel prices are expected to increase by up to P22.30 per liter next week, while gasoline is seen going up by up to P17 per liter.
The government is unable to control fuel prices since the oil industry is deregulated, meaning oil companies are obligated to only report and justify their price adjustments to the DOE.
If fuel price increases persist for more than a week, they could have broader economic consequences, potentially driving up transportation fares and other expenses.
Tensions in the Middle East escalated after Israel, with support from the United States, carried out airstrikes on Iran on Feb. 28 that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The resulting retaliatory attacks have destabilized the region and rattled global markets.
The Philippines is particularly vulnerable to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as it imports about 98% of its crude oil from the region, according to the Philippine Information Agency. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates are among the world’s leading oil exporters.