MANILA— Fewer buses are turning up at a major transport terminal amid the surging price of diesel.
Roge Algara arrived at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) on Friday morning, expecting to immediately catch a bus bound for Nasugbu, Batangas, for a day trip with friends.
But after waiting for more than an hour, no bus had arrived.
"Medyo abala po. Limited lang po 'yung oras namin ngayon," Algara said.
According to the bus dispatcher Jeffrey Miranda, only five of their 10 bus units are currently operating on the Nasugbu route after 50 percent of their drivers stopped working.
He said drivers’ earnings have also been affected, as a large portion of their income now goes toward diesel expenses.
"Walang tsuper ma'am, kasi lahat napupunta sa diesel ang taas talaga ng diesel," Miranda said. He added that they hardly have any bus units available during the afternoon rush hour, leading to long lines stretching up to the third floor of the terminal.
PITX management also said it has observed a decline in the number of buses since fuel prices started rising, raising concerns over the possible impact on the expected surge in passengers during the upcoming Undas or All Saints Day holidays.
"Worry din namin dahil mag-u-undas na, that's why ngayon pa lang ay kinakausap na namin ang mga bus operators in terms of their commitment in terms of undas," said PITX Senior Corporate Affairs Officer Kolyn Calbasa.
The LTFRB has also issued a memorandum circular setting the application period for buses and other public utility vehicles that will serve passengers traveling to the provinces during Undas.
The agency is also recommending that public utility buses be included in the government’s fuel discount program.
"Nagrerekomenda po tayo na kung pwede maisama din sila sa fuel discount kung saan ang gagawin naman po namin, ilang litro po ang binili nila sa isang buwan, portion of that will be shouldered by the governtment," said Acting LTFRB Chairman Greg Pua.
The LTFRB is set to submit its fare hike recommendation in October.
"We are hopeful that we can settle this po before November 1," Pua said.
Provincial buses earlier warned that they may no longer be able to keep operating if the government does not raise fares, as they are already losing money with the steep hikes in diesel prices.