Group not keen on designated bus terminal scheme

MANILA, Philippines - A commuters' welfare advocacy group on Tuesday has some reservations on the decision of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and local chief executives to designate specific terminals for provincial buses coming from the south and north expressways.

 

Elvira Medina, president of the National Center for Commuter Safety Protection, said that she will be discussing this development with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) with the hope that it will ensure the riding public’s welfare is taken into consideration before the implementation of the decision.

 

“We need to be clarified on this decision and know the possible impact with commuters on the decision to terminate southern provincial buses in Alabang, Muntinlupa, that is scheduled to start on Wednesday, August 20, 2014. Meron na bang mga probisyon tulad ng comfort rooms, waiting sheds, upuan para sa mga mananakay?” Medina said.

 

She said they should be consulted before a change in provincial routes is implemented.

 

“It would be a huge disservice for the commuters traveling from the south, particularly those coming from Laguna and Batangas who daily commute to their workplaces in Makati and Manila to disembark in Alabang and take another public transport to reach their destinations. Ito ay pinanukala ng MMDA at MMC (Metro Manila Council), nararapat lang na tignan din nila ang mga pangangailangan ng mga commuters at hindi lamang ang mga motorista,” Medina said.

 

“Besides increasing their regular transport fares, commuters have to endure the inconvenience of finding the best and safest route to continue their daily commute; kawawa naman ang publiko pag ganito ang nangyari,” she added.

 

 “Kailangan magkaroon ng tamang balanse ang ipapatupad na regulasyon na hindi lang ang mga motorista sa Metro Manila ang makikinabang but as well as to consider the welfare of those commuters daily travelling from the south and north,” Medina said.

 

In a recent MMC meeting with MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino, Mayor Lani Cayetano of Taguig, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi of Muntinlupa, Alex Yague, president of Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippine and Jovy Simundac, president of Southern Luzon Bus Operators Association, it was agreed upon that provincial buses with routes ending in Market Market and Food Terminal Inc. in Taguig will terminate in an existing terminal in Alabang, Muntinlupa. 

 

A total of 556 buses on this route will be the subject of the decision.

 

The MMDA and local government units opposed LTFRB’s circular on addressing out-of-line issues with its route rationalization policy, claiming that it will only result in worsening traffic congestion in the metropolis.