THE Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) reported a significant increase in passenger volume, reaching an average of 170,000 daily passengers amid the Christmas travel rush, exceeding the anticipated daily average of 150,000.
PITX Senior Corporate Affairs Officer Kolyn Calbasa stated that the influx of passengers heading to the provinces has surged in recent days. “We expected a daily average of 150,000, but it already breached 170,000. As of 7:00 a.m. this Friday, we’ve monitored 14,000 passengers, and we anticipate this number to double as the day progresses,” she said in an interview with Unang Balita.
Peak Travel Days and Delays
Calbasa added that the terminal expects 180,000 to 200,000 passengers to pass through PITX on Friday, with the holiday travel rush likely continuing until Monday. She advised travelers to plan their trips early, particularly those heading to the Bicol Region, where delays may occur due to impassable roads.
“We’re expecting slight delays going to Bicol because of road issues. However, we have deployed additional buses to ensure there are still plenty of trips from PITX,” she noted. The Bicol Region remains a top destination due to the high volume of travelers heading to its many provinces.
Passenger Assistance and Booking Tips
To manage the surge, Calbasa urged passengers to book their tickets in advance and reach out via the PITX Facebook page for guidance on contacting bus operators.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued 956 special permits for public utility vehicles to accommodate the increased demand during the holiday season. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced adjusted access hours for provincial buses on EDSA:
December 22-25, 2024: Limited access from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
December 26, 2024, to January 2, 2025: 24-hour access.
PITX management continues to monitor passenger flow to ensure efficient operations as the holiday exodus reaches its peak.