Bacolod-based Ceres bus operator halts fare increase nationwide

BACOLOD CITY — Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI), the company behind Ceres buses, announced on Thursday, March 19, that it has canceled the implementation of fare increases across all its routes nationwide.

The decision came a day after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the suspension of planned fare hikes, citing ongoing global uncertainties.

 “In my opinion, because we still have problems due to the war in the Middle East, I said maybe this is not the time to raise fares for our countrymen,” the bus firm said.

Earlier, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) had approved a provisional fare increase for provincial public utility buses, which took effect on March 14.

READ: Buses, jeepneys, airport cabs, TNVS get fare hike

In compliance with the directive, VTI confirmed that it will revert to previous fare rates, with no increases implemented moving forward.

Jade Marquez, VTI’s media relations officer, said the company had already applied the fare hike from Monday to Wednesday following LTFRB approval.

Despite rising fuel costs and ongoing economic challenges, Marquez assured the public that all Ceres buses remain fully operational and committed to serving passengers. /das