Several bus operators have reduced the number of trips due to soaring fuel prices, even as passenger volume is expected to surge ahead of the Holy Week rush, according to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).

In an interview on DZRH's Damdaming Bayan, PITX Communications Chief Jason Salvador said the terminal has observed a decline in bus deployments as operators struggle to sustain operations amid the continued increase in oil prices.

“Nakita natin talaga…na ‘yung pagtaas ng bilang ng mga pasahero natin, bunsod nga ng kataasan ng presyo ng gasolina. ‘Yung dati natin yung mga motorista na nagdadala sa sarili sa sasakyan, patungo sa kanilang mga tanggapan, patungo sa kalang probinsya, eh ngayon nag-bubus na para kahit pa paano makatipid,” Salvador said.

“Napansin kasi natin…na habang tumataas, tumataas yung bilang ng mga pasahero natin, ilan naman sa mga partner operators natin ang nagbabawas ng kanilang mga biyahe sa kadahilan ng nahihirapan na rin sila i-sustain yung kanilang operation,” he said.

The PITX is urging travelers planning to go home for Holy Week to book or purchase tickets in advance to avoid inconvenience.

“Ang advice natin sa mga… mananakay natin na talagang uuwi pa rin this Holy Week, makapag-book po sana nang mas maaga. Makabili sila ng ticket nang mas maaga upang sa ganoon hindi po sila mahirapan,” Salvador said.

He added that while passenger numbers continue to rise, some operators remain cautious about deploying additional units unless they are assured of full capacity.

PITX management has already held discussions with bus operators, who have committed to deploying more units as long as there are enough passengers. However, operators prefer to ensure buses are fully booked before dispatch to prevent losses.

"Nakipagpulong tayo sa kanila, nangako naman po sila na magde-deploy sila ng kanilang mga units dito as much as may pasahero po. Ang magiging epekto lang, ang gusto lang nila mangyari, is that bago nila i-deploy yung kanilang mga additional units, siguraduhin fully booked na po ito meaning occupied po lahat ng seats nila," he added.

The situation may result in longer waiting times and queues for passengers, especially during peak travel periods.

“Ang magiging epekto nito sa ating mga mananakay ay magkakaroon lang po ng karagdagang waiting time at pagpila. Kaya kung maaari sana mag-book sila [nang] maaga, bumili sila [nang] maaga upang sa ganoon maaga rin ma-deploy yung ating mga bus at di na sila maghintay [nang] matagal,” Salvador said.

Meanwhile, PITX assured the public that the terminal will operate 24/7 throughout the Holy Week period.

However, Salvador noted that the number of trips is expected to decrease on Good Friday, April 3.

Despite this, he emphasized that terminal operations will continue uninterrupted to serve passengers during the holiday rush.