Metro Manila bus terminals see passenger surge amid high fuel prices

An influx of passengers was observed at bus terminals on Tuesday as many Holy Week travelers chose to commute rather than drive their cars due to climbing fuel prices.

According to Oscar Oida’s “24 Oras” report, around 134,000 passengers trooped the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) as of 5 p.m. The number is expected to reach 200,000 tonight.

PITX corporate communications head Jason Salvador said the influx of passengers is seen to continue on Wednesday, partly as a response to successive oil price hikes as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Even if it’s standing room only, bus passenger Liza Basco said she chose to commute instead of using her own vehicle due to unpredictable fuel price hikes and to avoid the hassle of traffic.

The Parañaque Police and Highway Patrol Group conducted inspections to ensure public safety as PITX tightened its security to coincide with the Holy Week exodus.

PITX confirmed that three bus drivers tested positive in the Land Transportation Office’s random drug tests at the terminal on Monday.

The said drivers are prohibited from driving this Holy Week as their driver’s licenses were confiscated, and they will undergo a confirmation test administered by the Department of Health.

Some passengers were alarmed by the incident, as their safety was on the line.

“Dapat magkaroon sila ng peace of mind na we're doing all the necessary checks di lamang sa mga sasakyan kundi pati mga driver para tiyaking nasa ayos parehas,” Salvador said.

(They should have peace of mind that we're doing all the necessary checks not only to the vehicles but also to the drivers to ensure they are fit to travel.)

PITX management also monitored unauthorized bus fare hikes earlier today despite the Land Transportation Regulatory Board's (LTFRB) warning.

Salvador said PITX received a report that an ordinary or non-air-conditioned bus was asking for a P1,200 fare when it should have been P1,000.

“So we gathered information. We're verifying kung totoo. Then we will submit to LTFRB para sa kinauukulang imbestigasyon at kung kinakailangan patawan din ng parusa,” Salvador said.

(So we gathered information and are currently verifying it. Then we will submit it to LTFRB for appropriate investigation and sanctions.)

Passengers also trooped to the provincial bus terminals along EDSA in Pasay City, but some passengers observed that there were fewer buses compared to the previous year.

Many bus companies reportedly reduced trips due to high diesel prices. From their previous fleet, they now deploy around 40 buses, and the number is expected to decrease further.

A bus operator said their company will add more units should they observe that many passengers are still waiting without reservations.

An influx of passengers was also monitored in some bus terminals in Sampaloc, Manila and Cubao, Quezon City. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA News