LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (PIA) — Public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers in Benguet welcomed the fare increase implemented effective September 28, 2026, saying the adjustment provides added support to cope with rising fuel prices and daily operating expenses.
The fare adjustment was approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) following appeals from transport workers who said increasing fuel costs have affected their daily income.
For traditional jeepneys, minimum fare for the first four kilometers is P14 for regular passengers and P11.25 for students, senior citizens and persons with disability, with an additional P2.00 for every succeeding kilometer.
As to modern jeepneys, minimum fare is ?17 up from P15.00 for the first four kilometers and additional ?2.40 to ?2.80 per succeeding kilometer.
For PUJ driver Gaspar Marcos, even a small increase in the fare can make a difference in meeting daily expenses and boundary payments.
“Salamat latta a ta in-increase da bassit tapno adda ti bassit nga pordiya ken boundary metlaeng,” he said. (We are thankful because there was a little increase so we can earn a bit, and also, for our boundary,)
He also emphasized that passengers should only pay the prescribed fare and that drivers should not force commuters to give more, adding, “Wen, dakkel tulong na diyay, kalla voluntary metlaeng, haan nga amin ag ited ti kwa, no jay akin kayat lang diyay lang, haan nga pilit ta no pilitem madi metlang.” (This is a huge help. We also take note that it is voluntary to give more, it is not mandatory.)
Another driver, Joe Lagimman, also welcomed the adjustment, saying the additional P2 can help drivers and operators manage their expenses.
“Wen a, dakkel nga tulong kadakami nga drivers ti two pesos nga pannagngato ti pamasahe,” Lagimman said. (The two-peso increase is a huge help to us drivers.)
He thanked the government for listening to the concerns of drivers and operators, noting that the adjustment has provided some relief despite continued increase in fuel costs.
“Dakkel met nga iyaman mi ta uray kaskasanu, nangngeg da met jay sitwasyon ti drivers ken operators. Adda met effect na jay pannangato da. At least nakatulong met kadakami nga drivers,” he said. (We are grateful because they listened to the concerns, the situation of drivers and operators. At least, it can help us, drivers.)
Lagimman also acknowledged that the fare increase may not completely offset higher fuel consumption and other expenses, but said the additional income still makes a positive difference.
He also appealed for understanding between drivers and passengers, noting that public transportation is essential to workers, students, and families who depend on it every day.
For him, discussions on fare increases should consider both sides—the livelihood of drivers and the capacity of commuters to pay.
Student Danna Salipio said commuters understand that driving is a source of livelihood, but emphasized the need for drivers to follow fare regulations.
“Ti maibagak lang kadagiti drivers, rules are rules. Marami pa rin nga drivers nga masunurin kadagiti rules, but sometimes adda latta dagiti drivers nga abusaren da daytoy nga situation tapno makaala da ti ad-adu,” Salipio said. (I would like to remind the drivers that rules are rules. There are a lot of drivers who are compliant to the rules, but there are some drivers who take advantage of the situation.)
She added that while commuters understand the economic challenges faced by drivers, both sides should work within the rules and recognize their shared role in the transportation system. **JDP/CVBT-PIA CAR w/ GIP Jervie Caycayen
