MANILA — Victory Liner on Tuesday has called for the immediate lifting of the suspension on the fare adjustment order approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in March, warning that rising fuel and operating costs are threatening the viability of provincial and city bus operations.

In a statement, the company appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Congress and concerned government agencies to allow the fare adjustment, saying fuel now accounts for around 45% to 60% of operating costs.

“We ask for a fare that will keep public transport moving,” Victory Liner said.

The company said bus operators cannot impose fuel surcharges unlike airlines and sea transport operators, while passenger fares are not subject to VAT even as fuel purchases carry VAT.

It also cited the costs of fleet modernization, loans, spare parts, maintenance, insurance, toll fees, regulatory compliance and a potential wage increase.

“We do not ask for ayuda,” the company said, stressing that it was not seeking government assistance or asking taxpayers to shoulder its costs.

Victory Liner warned that operators unable to sustain their expenses could eventually reduce trips or deploy fewer buses, affecting commuters and the livelihoods of drivers, conductors, mechanics and other workers.

“This is not a threat to stop operations. This is a notice that operations may soon become impossible.”

The company said it cannot freely raise fares, impose fuel surcharges or compromise safety and maintenance.

“We ask for a fair and sustainable fare,” it said, urging the government to act before more buses can no longer leave their terminals.

“The provincial and city bus industries remain ready to serve.

“But public service must also be allowed to survive.”