Manila: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has acted upon the directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to suspend the fare increase for public utility vehicles (PUV) in the land transportation sector and to implement relief programs.
According to Philippines News Agency, DOTr press officer Rob De Roque communicated to reporters that the suspension order encompasses all recent PUV fare hikes. This includes traditional and modern jeepneys, city, provincial, and Point-to-Point (P2P) buses, transport network vehicle services (TNVS), and airport taxis. De Roque emphasized that the suspension is limited to land transport PUVs.
In a statement, the DOTr indicated that the deferment of the fare hike is in response to the ongoing oil crisis resulting from the conflict in the Middle East. The DOTr is preparing various programs to assist passengers and PUV drivers, such as the free ride initiative.
Furthermore, DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez has engaged with toll operators to provide toll discounts and has prioritized the swift distribution of fuel subsidies to eligible PUV drivers and operators. The department is focused on ensuring the prompt provision of all possible assistance and support to commuters, drivers, and transport operators.
Earlier, President Marcos instructed the DOTr to halt the scheduled fare increase for PUVs set to take effect on Thursday. He also ordered the launch of free rides nationwide, fare discounts for railway passengers in Metro Manila, and toll discounts to mitigate the effects of rising fuel prices.
