The Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) is bracing for a "challenging" Holy Week rush as high fuel prices drive more travelers to public transport while simultaneously forcing some bus operators to scale back trips.
In an interview with DZRH’s "Special on Saturday," Atty. Jason Salvado, PITX head of corporate communications and government relations, warned that commuters should prepare for longer waiting times as the supply of public utility vehicles (PUVs) tightens.
"Ang medyo challenging ngayon is the supply. Katulad ng tinatanong mo kung bumaba ba o nabawasan ang mga biyahe ng bus," Salvado said.
“Meron nang mga ruta na nagsabi ang ating mga partner operators na magbabawas na sila ng biyahe dahil nga sa epekto ng taas ng presyo ng petrolyo. Hindi na nila kinakaya yung biyahe kaya naman sila ay nag-decide na magbawas na ng mga ruta nila," he added.
Salvado noted a decline in applications for special permits—usually a staple ahead of the Lenten season—which allows buses to ply routes outside their original franchises to meet high demand.
The terminal expects a surge in passenger volume as private car owners switch to commuting to save on fuel, and some domestic travelers opt for provincial buses over more expensive airfare.
Routes to Batangas, Pangasinan, and San Jose, Nueva Ecija, are among those already seeing a reduction in active units. Salvado explained that many operators now wait for buses to be fully booked before dispatching them to maximize the cost of each trip.
"Hindi naman sila literally may stranded. Tatagal lang yung kanilang waiting time. Kasi meron at meron namang bus na pwedeng bumyahe," Salvado clarified.
"Ang gusto ng mga provincial bus operator, siguraduhin na puno sila. So matatawag lang sila, mabibigyan ng special permit during the time na fully occupied na lahat ng seats nila," he furthered.
To mitigate delays, PITX officials are coordinating with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to station personnel on-site for the immediate issuance of special permits as demand peaks.
Despite the supply concerns, Salvado assured the public that safety and security measures remain a priority. PITX is working with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to increase security presence and will continue conducting mandatory drug testing for drivers and terminal-side bus inspections.
Terminal officials advised travelers to book tickets in advance through online systems or terminal counters to avoid the "chance passenger" rush.
"Ngayon naiintindihan naman natin na hindi lahat kaya nang bumili na maaga kasi karamihan sa ating mga kababayan magkakaroon lang ng budget a day before or on the day itself," Salvado said.
"Ang pakiusap lang po natin sa ating mga pasero ay magdala po ng konting pasensya kasi asahan po natin sa mga araw na iyan magkakaroon po ng konting pagpila at pag-antay," he added.
