Starting March 23, toll concessionaires will implement discounts for public utility vehicles, buses and freight services for two months, the Department of Transportation announced. The move aims to alleviate the impact of soaring fuel prices amid the Middle East crisis.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that starting March 23, private toll concessionaires will grant discounts to Class 1 public utility vehicles or jeepneys, Class 2 public utility buses, and Class 3 vehicles used in freight services, including logistics and essential goods movement. The measure follows President Marcos’ directive to address the effects of soaring gas prices amid the Middle East crisis. In a letter to DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Toll Regulatory Board executive director Jay Art Tugade stated that tollway operators will voluntarily implement temporary discounts for essential transport sectors. Lopez expressed gratitude to San Miguel Corp.’s Ramon Ang and Metro Pacific Tollways Corp.’s (MPTC) Manny Pangilinan, noting the help to PUV drivers, commuters, consumers, and businessmen. The discounts will run initially for two months, subject to review, and will be provided through weekly rebates credited to qualified vehicles. Savings reach up to P18 for Class 1 vehicles, P47 for Class 2, and P72 for Class 3 per end-to-end trip. MPTC’s NLEX KaBiyahe program, from March 23 to May 22, benefits accredited PUBs, modernized jeepneys, and Class 3 vehicles with valid Easytrip subscriptions not enrolled in other programs. Additionally, a 50% discount will apply to Manila’s MRT-3 and LRT-2 starting March 23.