This Monday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) assured that there will be no increase in public transport fares until the end of 2022.
According to Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista, the approved fare increase for many public utility vehicles in September came too late.
“Ngayong holiday season, mas mabuti na hindi na muna tayo magtaas ng pamasahe para madagdagan naman ang pang-shopping ng ating mga pasahero,” said Bautista.
The DOTr is also said to be studying whether it is sufficient or necessary to add more PUVs because, after two years, it is only now that passengers are expected to flock to public places for Christmas.
Meanwhile, in relation to some passengers complaining of high fares in transport network vehicle services (TNVS), the Grab company explained that this is possibly due to the so-called “surge rate.”
The surge rate is an extra charge when there are many people who need a ride, but the supply of vehicles is low, or it is difficult to find a ride. This is also the extra charge during rush hour.
Up to “times two” surge is currently allowed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
“Wala pong pagtaas sa pasahe ng Grab. Our fares are fully regulated by the LTFRB at fully compliant with the existing fare matrix,” said EJ dela Vega, head of mobility of Grab Philippines.
Meanwhile, there will be a rollback in the price of all petroleum products on Tuesday, November 22, after two consecutive weeks of increases and decreases.
No more fare hikes this 2022: DOTr
Based on the company’s announcement, here is the amount of the discount:
Caltex (12:01 midnight)
GASOLINE -P0.40/L
DIESEL -P2.15/L
KEROSENE -P2.10/L
Cleanfuel (12:01 midnight)
GASOLINE -P0.40/L
DIESEL -P2.15/L
Shell, Seaoil (6 am)
GASOLINE -P0.40/L
DIESEL -P2.15/L
KEROSENE -P2.10/L
Petro Gazz, PTT Philippines, Phoenix Petroleum, Jetti Petroleum (6 am)
GASOLINE -P0.40/L
DIESEL -P2.15/L
The first estimate was P0.75 to P1 per liter for the price reduction in gasoline, but it was reduced to P0.40 due to the premium and freight costs.
The price drop is the result of weak demand in China.
In summary, since January, diesel has been raised by more than P36 per liter, gasoline by P17 and kerosene by P28.