Manila, Nov. 3 -- The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is urging shipping lines to adopt a volume-based fare strategy by lowering ticket prices, following a nearly 50 percent drop in passenger traffic during the Undas (All Saints' and All Souls' Days) season compared to last year.

In a radio interview on Tuesday, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said passenger traffic in PPA-managed ports was significantly lower than expected over the weekend.

At Batangas Port, which typically handles 17,000 to 21,000 passengers daily during the peak season, only about 7,000 to 8,000 passengers were recorded on Oct. 31.

Santiago attributed the decline to the 10 to 15 percent increase in ship fares and the short holiday break.

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