Manila:The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is calling on shipping lines to implement a volume-based fare strategy by reducing ticket prices, following a significant drop in passenger traffic during the Undas (All Saints' and All Souls' Days) season, which saw nearly a 50 percent decrease from the previous year.
According to Philippines News Agency, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago reported in a radio interview that passenger numbers at PPA-managed ports were notably lower than anticipated over the recent weekend. Specifically, Batangas Port, which usually accommodates 17,000 to 21,000 passengers daily during the peak season, recorded only about 7,000 to 8,000 passengers on October 31.
Santiago attributed the decline in passenger traffic to a 10 to 15 percent increase in ship fares and the brief holiday period. He suggested that many travelers might have postponed their trips to coincide with the longer holiday in the National Capital Region from November 14 to 18, which aligns with the country's hosting of the 49th ASEAN Summit. To counter the low ridership, Santiago urged shipping lines to lower their fares to attract more passengers and mitigate financial losses.
Additionally, Santiago announced that the PPA has waived passenger terminal fees at the newly opened terminal in Lucena Port until the end of the year, in an effort to decrease travel costs for commuters.
In another development, Santiago revealed that the PPA is working with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to reauthorize the transport of hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) on roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels. This comes after certain shipping lines banned these vehicles following the MV June Aster fire, where they were initially suspected as the cause. However, investigations by the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and MARINA concluded that the vehicles were not responsible for the incident. Santiago noted that former Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez had already directed MARINA to examine and approve the return of EVs and hybrids on Ro-Ro ships.
