Holiday travelers faced significant delays at various terminals and ports due to a shortage of buses and ships, compounded by road repairs and heavy traffic.
In Cubao, Quezon City, some passengers bound for the Bicol Region were forced to stay overnight at the terminal after their trips were delayed. The repair of Andaya Highway in Camarines Sur caused traffic congestion, extending travel times from the usual 12 hours to around 20 hours.
Adding to the challenges, all trips of air-conditioned buses to Camarines Norte have been fully booked until December 31, while trips to Legazpi City in Albay are fully booked until December 29. However, chance passengers may still secure seats on ordinary buses on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Cubao terminal management expects the influx of passengers to continue until Christmas Eve, as Filipinos rush to reach their hometowns for the holidays.
Meanwhile, at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), trips to Lipa City in Batangas, Lucena City in Quezon Province, and Olongapo City in Zambales were also delayed. Passengers had to wait for updated schedules, with long lines forming at the terminal’s entrance and exit.
Heavy traffic around PITX further compounded the delays, as public utility buses and private vehicles struggled to navigate the congested roads while picking up and dropping off passengers.
The situation highlights the growing demand for transportation during the holiday season and the need for improved infrastructure and planning to ease the travel experience for millions of commuters.