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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Commuter group: Fare hike suspension helps ease public burden

Commuter group: Fare hike suspension helps ease public burden

Published Mar 25, 2026 03:05 pm
The Coalition of Filipino Commuters (PasaHero), a commuter group, said on Wednesday, March 25, that the suspension of the planned fare hike helped ease the burden on the riding public.
They said it prevents further strain on daily transportation expenses amid the continuing rise in fuel costs caused by tensions in the Middle East.
“By suspending the initially announced fare hike, the government helped address one of the most immediate concerns of commuters—rising fares amid already increasing living costs,” CFC (PasaHero) lead convenor Ira Panganiban said in a statement.
Panganiban stated that commuters are often the first to feel the impact of fuel price increases, as fare adjustments directly affect their daily expenses.
The group emphasized that such interventions help stabilize commuting costs, especially for low- and middle-income passengers who rely heavily on public transport.
The group also noted that while the ongoing distribution of fuel subsidies helps drivers cope with rising fuel costs, longer-term solutions are still needed.
It said it is open to working with both the government and the transport sector to identify measures that fairly balance the needs of commuters and transport operators.
On Tuesday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the rollout of fuel subsidies for public utility vehicles (PUVs) at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), aimed at cushioning the impact of rising oil prices.
The program, funded under the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) P2.5-billion Fuel Subsidy Project, provides P10,000 per unit for bus operators and P5,000 for drivers to help offset fuel costs and prevent fare increases.
Aside from providing fuel subsidies to public utility vehicle drivers and operators to help cover fuel costs, President Marcos has also introduced measures to help commuters, including free bus rides on selected routes and discounted train fares.
Related story: https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/18/marcos-suspends-fare-hike

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