Victory Liner, bus operators push for fare hike as fuel costs rise again

Bus groups seek to revive a suspended fare adjustment, warning that rising fuel and operating costs could threaten bus operations.

Victory Liner and other provincial and city bus operators are calling on the government to lift the suspension of a fare adjustment approved by the LTFRB in March, saying rising fuel and operating costs are making current fares difficult to sustain.

In an industry appeal, bus groups asked the administration, Congress, the Department of Transportation, Department of Finance, Department of Energy, and the LTFRB to allow the previously approved fare adjustment to take effect.

The operators under the Provincial Bus Operators of the Philippines, Nagkakaisang Samahan ng Nangangasawa ng Panlalawigan Bus sa Pilipinas, Inc., SOLUBOA, and Mega Manila Consortium said fuel now accounts for around 45% to 60% of their operating costs, while they also have to cover modernization loans, maintenance, tires, spare parts, insurance, toll fees and regulatory costs.

The groups said buses cannot impose their own fuel surcharge, leaving operators to absorb increases in fuel prices while continuing to charge government-regulated fares.

They also warned that sustained losses could eventually affect bus operations, potentially resulting in fewer trips, longer waiting times and reduced connectivity between cities and provinces.

The appeal comes as a fare increase would also mean higher transportation costs for commuters, particularly those who regularly travel long-distance provincial routes.

The bus industry said it is not asking for government subsidies, but for a fare adjustment that reflects the cost of operating and maintaining public transportation.

The groups warned that without action, some operators could eventually struggle to keep buses running, even as demand for reliable provincial and city transport remains.

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