THE government is now considering the shutdown of some of the existing bus terminals in Metro Manila once the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) becomes fully operational.
In a ambush interview, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Chairman Martin Delgra made the disclosure during the inauguration of the PITX on Monday.
“We need to remove them [some terminals]…that is the way to move forward,” Delgra told reporters.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) earlier said among the terminals which are expected be closed down are those in Baclaran in Parañaque, in Pasay, and Lawton in Manila.
Delgra, however, noted they still have no timeline for the closure of the said terminals.
On Monday, President Rodrigo R. Duterte inaugurated the PITX, which is expected to accommodate 100,000 passengers bound for Batangas and Cavite each day once it opens.
PITX, which Duterte dubbed as a land port, will not only serve as a terminal for buses, but also jeepneys and taxis.
Duterte said the PITX will help in reducing road congestion in the Metro Manila and offer “state of the art services” to its commuters.
“It will also provide state-of-the art bus reservation and online booking, and many other amenities that will surely guarantee a safe and convenient transport experience for the public,” Duterte said.
He ordered the DOTr to ensure only roadworthy and environmental law-compliant public utility vehicles will be allowed to operate in the PITX
By Samuel P. Medenilla.
