By CESAR JOLITO III

Commuters will continue paying lower fares after Vallacar Transit Inc. rolled back its recent rates increase on Ceres bus routes, following a national government directive suspending fare hikes.

The transport firm confirmed that the adjustment implemented earlier this week has been canceled, with old fare rates reinstated effective yesterday.

Company media relations officer Jade Marquez said the rollback was carried out in full compliance with the government order, which seeks to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on the riding public.

Operations across all Ceres routes remain normal, with no cancellations reported.

However, the company said it is keeping a close watch on passenger volume as travel demand is expected to rise ahead of the Holy Week break.

Vallacar Transit noted that while trips will continue as scheduled, minor changes in dispatch times and route scheduling may be introduced depending on passenger turnout.

The rollback is expected to provide relief to commuters, particularly those relying on provincial bus travel, as authorities move to manage transport costs amid broader economic pressures./CJ, WDJ