The Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) is bracing for a busier-than-usual Holy Week rush this year, as rising prices are expected to push more Filipinos away from planes and private cars — and toward provincial buses.
PITX communications chief Jason Salvador said the terminal is already seeing the effects of the country’s rising cost of living on travel behavior.
With fuel prices climbing, many commuters who used to drive their own vehicles are now opting for public transportation instead — a trend he expects to spill over into inter-provincial travel.
“‘Yung mga dating nagdadala ng pribadong sasakyan patungo sa probinsya eh magbu-bus na lang,” Salvador said. “Kasama pa rito ‘yung mga dating sumasakay ng eroplano na baka this time eh mag-bus na rin lang.”
The shift in passenger behavior comes at a difficult time for bus operators. Salvador said several provincial bus lines have already informed PITX that they will be reducing trips this Holy Week, citing the rising cost of fuel as the primary reason.
“Mayroon ng 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,” he said. “Hindi na nila kinakaya ‘yung biyahe, kaya naman sila’y nag-decide na magbawas na ng mga ruta nila.”
Routes to Batangas, Nueva Ecija, and Pangasinan are among those that have seen reductions, Salvador noted. He added that fewer operators have applied for special permits compared to previous holiday seasons — a sign that the supply crunch could be more acute this year.
With demand expected to rise and supply potentially tightening, Salvador urged travelers to book their tickets as early as possible. For those who cannot plan ahead, he asked for patience.
“Magdala po ng kaunting pasensya, kasi asahan po natin sa mga araw na ‘yan, magkakaroon po ng kaunting pagpila at pag-antay,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Salvador said PITX remains prepared, projecting around three million passengers passing through the terminal from late March through a week after Holy Week.
He also floated the possibility that some Filipinos may choose to skip travel altogether this year due to the cost of living. “Baka ‘yung ibang kababayan natin, ipagpaliban na ‘yung kanilang paglalayag dahil nga mahal ang bilihin,” he said.
