MANILA, Philippines — After more than a century of serving Filipino commuters, Philtranco Service Enterprises, Inc. has officially announced it will cease operations effective March 30, 2026. The decision was confirmed in a memorandum released by company officials on February 2, 2026, citing persistent and significant financial losses as the primary reason for the shutdown.

Despite exhaustive efforts to sustain the business, Philtranco management admitted they could no longer shoulder payroll and other operating expenses. “We have tried every possible alternative, but the continuing financial strain makes it impossible to continue,” the company said.

Philtranco expressed deep gratitude to its workforce, calling its drivers, conductors, maintenance crews, and office staff the backbone of the company throughout its long history. The company has long been regarded as one of the country’s oldest bus services, with a legacy spanning more than 100 years in connecting communities and supporting daily commuters.

The closure marks a significant moment in Philippine transportation history, highlighting the challenges traditional transport companies face amidst rising operational costs, competition, and changing commuter behaviors. While it is a farewell to a century-old institution, it also sparks a larger discourse on the sustainability of public transportation systems in the modern era. As Philtranco prepares to end its operations, questions arise: How can the Philippines preserve accessible and affordable public transport in the face of financial pressures? And what strategies can other transport companies adopt to survive in an increasingly competitive market? (Larawan mula sa: Philtranco, Wikipedia)