MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced on Wednesday that it was rolling out a series of assistance programs for commuters and public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to defer fare increases amid the continued rise in global fuel prices caused by ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In a statement, the DOTr said the deferment was meant to ease the financial burden on passengers while oil prices remained unstable.
As part of the support measures, the DOTr is preparing free ride initiatives for passengers, targeting key routes and heavily used public transportation lines.
The agency said it was also fast-tracking the release of fuel subsidies for qualified PUV drivers and operators to help offset rising operational costs.
The DOTr said Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez consulted with toll operators to explore possible toll discounts for motorists, adding another layer of relief for the commuting public.
“DOTr and all its attached agencies are continuously working to ensure the swift delivery of all possible assistance and support to commuters, drivers, and transport operators,” the department said.
“We aim to provide immediate relief while ensuring the continuity of public transport services across the country.”
The DOTr added that it was coordinating closely with local government units, transport cooperatives, and PUV operators to implement these programs efficiently.
