PITX: More passengers choose to take buses than use own cars

Amid soaring price of fuel products, more passengers are choosing to take provincial buses for the Holy Week exodus instead of bringing their own cars.

Hpwever, according to Mariz Umali’s report in “24 Oras” on Monday, the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) warned that eight bus companies will be issued a show cause order and be subject to investigation for increasing their fares despite the government’s suspension of the provisional fare increase implementation.

“From as low as ₱100 to as high as ₱200. This is saddening because we know this adds to the burden of our fellow commuters. So, what we did was gather information and the complaints, and we brought them to the attention of the LTFRB and the DOTr,” said PITX Corporate Affairs and Government Relations head Jason Salvador.

Passengers at the PITX also lament the fare increase by some bus companies. 

“Our fare coming here was P1,200. But now that we’re heading back, they're charging P1,500. Of course, it’s a heavy burden because I’m a student. So, as a student, it’s difficult when prices go up, because the money meant for school expenses ends up going here instead,” said Alvin Deinla, who is bound for Daraga, Albay. 

“Before the fare used to be P260 something. Now, it's already P300 plus. But we have no choice. We cannot simply walk for this trip,” said Ruth Daileg, who is traveling to Pampanga and Tarlac. 

However, bus companies are seeking understanding from the public. 

"It’s really necessary because... If we don't do it that way, the company won't be able to survive. For one, the price of diesel is just too high. Our company won't have anything left to pay the employees' salaries,” said bus dispatcher Mier Isada. 

For its part, the Department of Transportation said it won’t tolerate such implementation by bus companies as the government has yet to approve another fare hike. 

“We need to investigate them; we need to send them letters and 'show cause' orders. And I am appealing to the bus operators: fares are regulated. Therefore, imposing fares that are higher than the approved rates is what we call overcharging, and it may be a ground for the suspension or revocation of your franchises,” said DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez. 

Despite the high fares and high oil prices, many are still pushing through with their trips this Holy Week. 

Instead of booking plane tickets to Boracay, friends Yna Siazon and Rommel Magtalas will take the bus and ship for their trip to save money. 

“I think we saved around 20% to 30%. So that’s a valid point, since we are currently facing some challenges,” said Magtalas. 

Even though many are tightening their belts, the PITX management noted that the number of travelers actually increased this year.

This is because more people opted for public transportation instead of bringing their own vehicles.

“Compared to last year—just so we have a point of comparison—on Palm Sunday last year, we reached 165,000. This year, on Palm Sunday, it was 178,000. So that’s a significant increase. We expect that this will be the same for the rest of the week,” said Salvador.— Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA News