Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI) announced on Monday, March 16, that it is implementing a fare increase per kilometer across all routes to sustain operations following recent spikes in global oil prices.
This adjustment was approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Friday, amid the unstable movement of fuel prices in the world market caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
This has affected the operating costs of public transportation, VTI said.
As fuel remains one of the primary expenses in bus operations, the continuous oil price hikes have made it necessary for the company to follow the LTFRB adjustments in fares in order to sustain daily operations, VTI said.
The grant of provisional increase was made by virtue of Sec. 16 of CA 146, otherwise known as Public Service Act, as amended, and Section 5 of Executive Order No. 202.
Despite these challenges, VTI said it remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient transportation services to the riding public.
The fare adjustment will help ensure that our buses continue to operate regularly while maintaining proper maintenance, safety standards, and quality service for our passengers, VTI said.
The updated fare matrix reflecting the new rates will be posted at VTI terminals and inside our buses for the guidance of all passengers, the firm said.
The LTFRB during the weekend announced an updated fare guide for Provincial Public Utility Buses (PUBs) effective Saturday, March 14.
Under the updated Fare Guide, the following provisional fare adjustments shall apply:
• PUB Provincial (Airconditioned) – Provisional fare increase of ₱0.35 per kilometer.
• PUB Provincial (Super Deluxe) – Provisional fare increase of ₱0.35 per kilometer.
• PUB Provincial (Deluxe) – Provisional fare increase of ₱0.35 per kilometer.
• PUB Provincial (Luxury) – Provisional fare increase of ₱0.45 per kilometer.
• PUB Provincial (Ordinary) – Provisional fare increase of ₱1.00 on the base fare and ₱0.30 on the succeeding kilometer. *