The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has imposed a cap on booking fees for app-based taxi services, setting the maximum at 20 percent of the fare or P60, whichever is lower. The new rule, reported by Philstar Biz, aims to address passenger complaints about inconsistent and sometimes exorbitant charges from ride-hailing platforms.
The LTFRB decision follows a series of feedback from commuters who reported booking fees ranging from P30 to P100 or more, depending on demand and time of day. By capping the fee, the agency seeks to promote fair pricing while still allowing app-based taxi operators to recover reasonable service costs.
Transport groups have expressed mixed reactions, with some supporting the move for passenger protection while others argue that the cap may discourage drivers from accepting short trips during peak hours. The regulation takes effect immediately, and the LTFRB warns that violators may face fines or suspension of their accreditation.