Major Fare Hikes Approved for Public Transport and Airfares Nationwide

March 18, 2026 at 05:55 AM (UTC+8)

#FareHike#PhilippineEconomy#PublicTransport

Commuters and travelers across the Philippines must brace for higher costs as the LTFRB implements fare increases for jeepneys, buses, airport taxis, and Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS). Simultaneously, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has elevated the passenger fuel surcharge to Level 8 for April, effectively doubling airfares and significantly impacting travel expenses.

The Philippines is experiencing significant transportation fare increases across multiple sectors in March 2026. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved provisional fare hikes for various public utility vehicles effective around March 14-17, 2026, while the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) raised passenger fuel surcharges to Level 8 for April 2026. The LTFRB increases affect traditional jeepneys (minimum fare rising from P13 to P14 for first 4 km), modern jeepneys (remaining about 20% higher than traditional), ordinary Metro Manila buses (base fare increasing from P13 to P15 for first 5 km), and provincial buses with varying increases. Airport taxis saw flag-down rates rise from P75 to P115, while Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) like Grab and inDrive experienced base fare increases for sedans (P45 to P65) and SUVs (P55 to P75). Simultaneously, the CAB implemented Level 8 fuel surcharges for tickets issued from April 1-15, 2026, representing a 116-130% increase from the previous Level 4. Domestic flight surcharges now range from P253 to P787 per passenger one-way, while international flights from the Philippines range from P835.05 to P6,208.98 depending on distance. These adjustments are driven by surging global fuel prices, with jet fuel reaching approximately $175 per barrel due to Middle East tensions and shipping disruptions. The CAB introduced a new 15-day review cycle instead of monthly adjustments to respond faster to price volatility. LTFRB officials cited fuel subsidies as mitigation measures, while transport groups expressed concerns about the impact on commuters. The fare hikes are provisional and may be adjusted if fuel prices drop, with authorities urging operators to display new rates and commuters to report overcharging.