By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The standard fare for fast craft operators plying the Bacolod-Iloilo route has increased to as much as P50 yesterday, just as they have increased their number of trips due to higher passenger demand.

In a radio interview, Weesam Express operator Frank Carbon said during the past two weeks after resuming operations they have noticed that they are unable to make break even due to a combination of high fuel cost and the limited number of passengers allowed to board their vessels.

According to Carbon, the price of fuel has risen to P48 and therefore they cannot earn enough if they remain at their original fare amount.

As for the passengers allowed to board, Carbon explained that during pre-pandemic operations they can board as much as 250 passengers per vessel. However, due to physical distancing protocols they can only board as much as 100 to 150 passengers.

Due to the price increase, the fare rate of Weesam Express for a first class passenger is now at P500 one-way, and P1,000 for round trip.

Students and senior citizens fare, meanwhile, is now at P415, while minors aged four to 11 is at P285. Students are required to show their school ID while minors must show their birth certificate.

Regular tourist rate, meanwhile, is pegged at P425 one-way and P850 for roundtrip.

Students and senior citizens tourist tickets are at P355, while minors are pegged at P250.

Economy and non-aircon regular fare is now at P400 one-way and P800 roundtrip, with student and senior citizen fare at P355 and minors at P235./DGB, WDJ