Travel Advisory: Victory Liner Big Price Increase
As I boarded the 2am airconditioned bus to Manila last June 1, I was shocked to be charged Php450.00 for the Baguio-Manila trip. Had I ridden two hours earlier, I would have paid the usual Php385.00 for Cubao and (Php390.00 for Pasay). But I had not been feeling well, hence the procrastination.
So here it is folks, rates for Baguio-Cubao Php450, while Baguio Pasay-460, thanks to Nick (Watson) who took the Baguio-Pasay bus last weekend. Up from the previous rates of Php385/Php390.
I have been in Manila for the past 2 weeks, and when I called them for my return trip this weekend (yup, that’s why I have been quiet — still melting in Manila), I discovered that the Special Deluxe bus now costs Php700.00 one way (it used to be Php600.00 two weeks ago).
Of course the Philippines is reeling from the rapid increase in fuel costs. When the peso strengthened against the dollar from Php55.00 to USD1.00 to Php40.00, there was no decrease in fuel prices, the excuse being world crude oil prices had risen again.
I kidded the conductor that Victory Liner was trying to recover the buses that were blown up last month in their Cubao depot and told him that he “should not have done that kasi.”
WIth the 20% increase in fare rates, it still would be cheaper to get to Baguio by bus than to take a car, if there are only a few persons in your group. Ah, but when there are infants in tow, you will just have to grit your teeth, load the stroller and fuel up the family van.
The good news for Baguio visitors: lodging, food and shopping in Baguio is relatively cheap still. So, in the end, it all evens out. Plus there are many things to do that will not cost you a single centavo. For the list, please check Baguio for FREE.
Haay Lisa, everything’s on the rise except my manhood. Seems to be no relief in sight. Hard times. Belt-tightening needed.
Resty,
You actually cracked a joke!
If there’s anything Baguio folk are good at, it’s belt tightening. In fact the belts in Baguio are so tight folks can hardly breathe.
Oh, except the students, that is. They wear no belts so much so we can see the tbacks and the boxers.
Ah yes the price increase. I went up to Baguio one Friday night and the fare was still 390. but when I was going back to manila that Sunday night, 460 pesos na! I swear, 460 ang siningil sa akin. Bakit mas mahal by ten pesos? Hmmm…. and it was still 460 last weekend too.
Hi Nick,
Oh I get off at the Cubao terminal kasi — and I thought we paid for the whole length because it was a Baguio-Pasay Bus we rode in. Thanks for this. Let me edit the post above to reflect the rates.
Resty that was a good puncline…hehehehe … 450 to go home .. so a round trip would cost me 900.. wah no more eating then on the trip.. No more balut at the tarlac stopover for me .. hay…
Hi Liza,
My first week of summer vacation here in San Diego (seven weeks- the beauty of teaching!). Yay! I finally can sit down again and read what’s going on there. Resty’s joke greeted me first thing :)! With the price of gas here in the U.S., staying home, reading, and eating dinengdeng while reading your blogs is heaven. I was lucky to get tickets to the Philippines in April. Husband and I are finally going there for five weeks in December through January. Been thinking of just getting on the bus to La Union instead of renting a van with a driver. Can’t imagine how much it would cost me at that time. So excited to visit!
Hiya Dan,
Ask your mommy to make you some baon! Hahaha! You can afford the balut. It costs Php10 max in the Philippines — I bet the mother ducks are upset that their babies are only sold for that much!
Cynthis, you’re coming! Great!
Your’re right about the bus rides — pretty reliable and way cheaper. Although, depending on your itinerary in the lowlands (no taxis there for you), I can recommend my cheap van rental service suki in Baguio who is soooo nice and accommodating…
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for the info. We can’t blame Victory Liner for increasing the fare. The oil price is the same all over. We are reeling here in the US because we NEED to drive and public transport isn’t as feasible
Argh! Thanks for the info. Maybe I’ll take the Dagupan bus next time I go up to Baguio. But then again, maybe they will be increasing their rates too.
Hi Tina and Bill,
Yup prices are rising, and what we should do is really get into the energy conservation programs.
I, for one, prefer to walk than to ride — yup, even in the rain.
Oh yes, Bill,
Dagupan is cheaper by about Php50.00. I haven’t heard of a price increase though. A lot of the Baguio residents prefer to ride that bus line because it’s cheaper, although there are fewer trips. And though they only have one terminal in Quezon City, that shouldn’t be a problem for you.
pls check bus #1622 bound to tuguegarao…umalis sa kamias na sira ang aircon just dis morning at 745…and take note hinihi blad na ang pasahero na hinatid ko sa init sa loob…at wala pang respeto mga driver. wala daw silang magagawa…sayang ang ibinayad ng pasahero…
Hi Flor!
I can understand how upsetting that would be, especially on such a ling trip. I suppose when the aircon conks out or if the bus breaks down, there should be some kind of refund for the customers.
Victory Liner and other bus companies must be made to understand that, as public conveyance, they have a duty to ensure customer safety and comfort at all times.
ei lisa, i went to baguio just last week and i was shocked with the fare as well.. 450 pesos pasay-baguio!!! i remember back in college it was just 385php… well, things have changed and i think there’s nothing that we can do abt that..
another thing.. i was shocked to see the overpass in bgh. haay… it’s there, so i’d rather not comment..
hello Ms. Lisa,
I really like your site. It was such a great help for me when I went to Baguio City for the first time last December. But, I was only in Baguio for 1 day. I longed to go back in the City of Pines with my parents and let them see just how beautiful Baguio is.
I noticed the Victory Liner Special De Luxe Bus in the Victory Liner terminal although I did’nt get to ride in it. Is there a Comfort Room in that Special De Luxe Bus that’s why it’s expensive? aside from being able to take passengers to Baguio faster than the regular bus???
Well, I’ve been wondering if there is a bus that could make senior citizens and old folks like my parents’ travel to Baguio comfortable for them.
Thank you very much Ms. Lisa and have a nice weekend.
Therese
Hi Adie,
I accept the fare increase as necessary to cover costs. But that flyover — totally unnecessary, an eyesore, a testament to greed and corruption!
Hi Therese,
The Php700 de luxe bus is more comfortable and does not make stops, which is why you get to your destination faster.
The senior citizens will have a tough time in the restroom, unaided, because it can pretty rough when you use it. However, it is nice to know that there’s one you can use if necessary. In all my trips to and fro Manila I have used the bathroom less than half the time.
On top of the restroom, the seats are wider and more comfortable, with a drink holder, and a lower-leg support. Instead of a conductor, there’s a stewardess who cleans the bathroom and gives you a bottle of water and a mini-cake.
Hello again Miss Lisa,
Thank you very much for the information. I really hope I could bring my parents with me to beautiful Baguio City if not this year, maybe early next year!!!
thanks again
Therese
do you guys have any idea how much is the cheapest fare goin to baguio? manila-baguio? and cheap rooms? as in cheap?