Commuter traffic in Dagupan City dropped noticeably as bus companies continued merging trips to save on rising fuel costs, commuters and terminal officials said.

Maria Linda, 69, arrived early at a local bus terminal morning on Thursday, March 19, 2026, to catch a ride to Sison, Pangasinan, via Baguio through Manaoag.

“Okay naman po, pero ayaw namin ng mga tanghali na dahil meron akong sakit na vertigo. Ayaw ko ng init,” she said.

After waiting more than 30 minutes, she was able to board her bus. She also welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s suspension of a planned fare hike.

Terminal Master Michael Agbuya said bus companies continue combining trips to reduce fuel consumption amid high diesel prices.

“’Yung pagme-merge ng trip, halimbawa, ‘yung isang biyahe natin kakauti pa ‘yung laman, ‘yung dalawang magkasunod na oras, [magku-combine] ‘yun… sayang naman kasi kung walang laman, ang taas po kasi ng diesel natin ngayon,” he said.

The terminal has also noted fewer passengers during midday trips, when merging is more common, although commuter numbers remain higher in the afternoon.

“Makikita naman sa mga trip natin, konti lang ‘yung laman. Kaya nagme-merge tayo ng biyahe,” Agbuya added.

Aside from combined trips, bus operators limit the use of engines and air conditioning units to five minutes before departure to conserve fuel. Terminal management urged commuters to remain patient amid the current situation.