Marcos Steps In: Fare Hikes Suspended Indefinitely Amid Oil Price Crisis
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the indefinite suspension of fare hikes for jeepneys, buses, and transport network vehicle services (TNVS) that were supposed to take effect on Thursday, March 19.
The across-the-board fare increases had already been approved by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) due to soaring oil prices triggered by the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict in the Middle East. But Marcos said commuters — lalo na workers and students — shouldn't carry that burden right now.
"I-postpone muna natin 'yan dahil nasa gitna ngayon tayo nitong sitwasyon na ito," Marcos said in a video statement on Wednesday. He emphasized the need to continue supporting the millions of Filipinos who depend on public transportation every day.
To cushion the blow for transport workers who are also hurting from high fuel costs, Marcos directed the DOTr to expedite fuel subsidies and roll out free rides across the country. MRT and LRT fares will also get discounts, with toll road fee reductions being worked out as well.
The move comes as the nationwide transport strike led by PISTON continues on Thursday, with drivers protesting the fuel price crisis. While airfares were not included in the suspension — airlines have already been allowed to implement higher fuel surcharges — the freeze on land transport fares is expected to provide immediate relief to the riding public.
Source: Philstar.com
