MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has introduced a price cap on booking and platform fees charged to passengers using taxi services.
Under Memorandum Circular 2026-055, taxi units accepting bookings through digital or online transport platforms may charge no more than 20% of the total approved fare, or P60, whichever amount is lower, as a booking or platform fee.
The memorandum, which has already been approved by the LTFRB, states that no additional booking fee, convenience fee, service fee, platform surcharge, or similarly named charge may be imposed or collected beyond this authorized amount without prior approval from the Board.
The new guidelines were developed in response to reports of inconsistent fees being charged by taxi operators using online booking platforms. According to the LTFRB, the lack of a clear policy on the matter had led to unauthorized or inconsistent collection of additional charges, creating confusion among passengers.
LTFRB Chairman Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza clarified that the guidelines apply specifically to taxi units and operators using digital booking platforms to facilitate passenger transport through online or app-based systems.
The LTFRB said any operator, platform provider, or driver found violating the new guidelines will face sanctions.
