BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Cordillera (LTFRB-CAR) has initiated a public consultation with public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators in Baguio City on the petition for fare increase.
Drivers and operators have petitioned for a fare increase from P1.00 to P3.00 to cope with the increasing expenses.
Among the problems they raised during a consultation on Nov. 13, 2025 were unstable fuel prices, high cost and slow repair of spare parts, poor traffic management, and issues with the boundary system.
Atty. Marianne Reina Dumpayan of the Department of Transportation-CAR said that the public consultation aimed to hear the concerns of the transport sector so that appropriate actions would be taken.
”It is not only to address the fare increase na pinapa-implement ng ating central office but to closely coordinate with other agencies. Number 1, ‘yung mga concern nila is regarding the fuel fluctuation prices, ‘yung traffic, passenger concerns, everything must be addressed and not only one of them. Because if you will not address all of those, nothing will work talaga,” Dumpayan said.
Dumpayan explained that once traffic concerns are resolved, PUV income will definitely increase. She also cited the fluctuating fuel prices that affect the transport sector.
“Kunyare, maglalagay ng ceiling prices or range prices yung mga big oil companies natin, tapos titignan nila, ikukumpara. Comparatively, the price in Baguio is higher than the price in La Union, kung iisipin nila na pwede naman siguro nilang i-straighten ‘yan, depende sa kanila, then definitely that will help the transport cooperatives,” she said.
PUV operator Juana Atiwag expressed optimism that the public consultation will yield positive outcomes.
”Talaga nga maragsakan adi nga mangdengeg [ti concerns mi] ta maluglugi kami garud nga buses. Ag-submit da P800, 1,000 ti suweldo da nga driver, conductor, agback-up kami pay. Gumatang kami ti pilid da, sariling pera, kasjay,” Atiwag stated.
Meanwhile, commuters who were interviewed expressed support to the fare hike as long as it is justified.
“Okay naman siya, Kaso ‘yung fare increase nila sana makatarungan din para sa ating lahat,” commuter Janet Imas said.
“Pwede naman mag-increase kaunti lang naman. Kawawa naman ‘yung mga tao na sumasakay na hanggang doon lang dapat. ‘Pag nadagdagan, kung saan ka pupunta, doon ka ibababa,” said Lilia Gamba, another commuter interviewed.
The LTFRB Central Office is currently consolidating fare hike petitions to address the operational challenges faced by the public transport sector. **DDG/Camille Beray, PIA CAR-SLU Intern
