It took an incapacitated bridge to investigate the skyrocketing airfares.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has announced it will summon airline companies to investigate the soaring airfare prices in Eastern Visayas.
The said move stemmed from the complaints from the local business sector regarding the high costs of plane tickets from Tacloban to Manila and vice versa, which they say are affecting regional tourism and economic activities.
During an inter-agency meeting held at the DZR Airport VIP Lounge, representatives from various sectors expressed their concerns, prompting DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon to assure that an investigation is already underway.
He emphasized that the department is committed to ensuring fair pricing and addressing the public’s grievances.
Although Secretary Dizon initially clarified that he does not see a direct connection between the increase in airline fares and the load limits imposed on the San Juanico Bridge, now in a state of disrepair.
It can be recalled that the bridge’s restrictions prevent large vehicles like buses from crossing, requiring passengers to transfer to smaller vehicles such as vans at Sta. Rita.
This transfer process has reportedly contributed to increased travel costs and inconvenience for travelers in the region.
“Airlines are taking advantage”
Business stakeholders pointed out that the rising demand for air travel in Eastern Visayas might be a factor in the higher fares. The limited capacity for large vehicles to cross the San Juanico Bridge forces more passengers to opt for air travel, which could drive prices upward due to increased demand.
The upcoming investigation aims to determine whether airline pricing practices are justified or if there is a need for regulatory intervention. The DOTr is also expected to review the transportation infrastructure and policies that impact travel costs in the region.
Finally!
On the other hand, several netizens said that the said fares had long been exorbitant and it took a long time for the government to “look into it.”
“Finally, may nakapansin. It took 4 administrations to notice this!!!!,” netizen Win Vicentillo posted on his social media account.
“Dati 2.5k to3.5k la iton way back 2018 to 2021. Yana 10k to 13k na,” Filoteo Delorino also posted in his Facebook account.
As of this writing, Tacloban- Manila nonstop round-trip tickets from May 29 to June 30 cost around P12,335 up to P21,003. Both flights are via Air Asia.
Shockingly, these prices for a flight that is just over an hour is close to the cost of plane tickets to nearby Asian countries.
The above-mentioned ticket prices were also normal for Philippine Airlines in the last two years, especially towards June when fiestas and other celebrations are held in Samar and Leyte. Prices for Cebu Pacific flights are a bit lower than this range, but still exorbitant.
Transparency
While it may be true that even if the prices are up, people would still take it as it left them with little to know option, the public deserves transparency over these unjust pricing.
“Ano gud man an koneksyon it paghitaas hin pasahi ha edro ngan san juanico bridge? Kay bisan pa mag hitaas it demand han services nira, asya man la ghap it passenger capacity hit edro. It manarakay mahulat na man la kon san o liwat it next available flight. Oportunista niyo mga ka edrohan kamo,” one netizen rants.
As the region continues to recover and develop, ensuring accessible and affordable transportation remains a priority for the government, especially in areas like Eastern Visayas where connectivity is vital for growth.
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