Fuel Price Surge Forces Bus Operators to Reduce Trips, Seek Fare Hike

Amid incessant fuel price hikes across the Philippines, numerous bus operators have been compelled to reduce their trip frequencies to avoid operating at a loss. According to Alex Yague, director of the Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippines (PBOAP), many bus terminals are now seeing a significant number of buses parked without scheduled trips. "All operators right now are reducing their trips," Yague said. "Actually, you can see it in their terminals—when you go inside a bus terminal, there are so many buses parked there with no scheduled trips." PBOAP is urging the government to approve a proposed fare increase to cushion the impact of the recent fuel price surge, arguing that it would better sustain their livelihoods than government subsidies. However, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had suspended the scheduled implementation of the fare hike in March, citing that it would pose a heavy burden on commuters. "We believe it is time to lift the suspension and implement the fare increase so provincial buses can continue serving the public," Yague stated. Charlie Portizo, a 50-year-old jeepney driver, echoed the call for a fare increase. He shared that despite working hard daily, his income for his family is minimal, with much of his earnings going towards diesel fuel. "Sometimes I still make P500—that’s the highest—but other times, I take home nothing. Around P800 goes toward our diesel—our earnings really just end up going to fuel," Portizo said. "To be honest, sir, we don't really need subsidies. What we need right now, sir, is at least a fare increase—even just that. So that somehow, we can survive," he pleaded. Meanwhile, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Banoy Lopez emphasized that imposing a fare hike should be a "last resort." "Hopefully, imposing a fare hike will be our last resort," Lopez said. Lopez expressed concern that an increase in fares would further contribute to inflation and raise the prices of services and goods. "If we raise fares, it will certainly contribute to inflation. It will also add to the prices of services and basic goods," he added. The DOTr stated that the government is implementing measures to assist drivers and operators. Lopez has directed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to study the situation and submit recommendations regarding a potential fare hike. —Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/LDF, GMA News