Victory Liner cuts trips as fuel costs rise, passengers feel the impact

“Such a waste of time,” Threads user @callmekuyajm wrote, saying he preferred the old system that allowed passengers to prebook and buy round-trip tickets online instead of putting their names on a list and waiting at the terminal.

The experience comes after Victory Liner announced on September 17 that it would consolidate selected trips when necessary because of rising fuel and operating costs. The company also temporarily suspended online booking while adjusting its schedules.

“Every trip must be sustainable so that we can continue serving you tomorrow and in the years ahead,” Victory Liner said, adding that it was trying to manage costs, protect jobs and keep buses on the road.

But passengers are already discussing alternatives.

Threads user @jalga.9 pointed to Solid North’s online round-trip booking for its PITX-Baguio route, while @apparently_not_jason suggested Genesis and JoyBus. Another user, @chilled_88, said Victory Liner’s advance booking had still been available the previous week.

The situation highlights the difficult trade-off created by trip consolidation. Running fewer or combined trips can help bus operators cope with higher costs, but passengers may face longer waits, fewer departure choices and greater uncertainty—especially while online reservations are unavailable.

Victory Liner has asked for continued government support for a public transport industry struggling to keep fares and services accessible.

For passengers like @callmekuyajm, however, the impact is immediate: four hours spent waiting for a trip that never happened.

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