AROUND 2.1 million passengers are expected to arrive at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) from October 27 to November 5, for the observance of this year’s Undas.
According to PITX Senior Corporate Affairs Officer Kolyn Calbasa, they estimate an average daily passenger count of 180,000, as travelers go to different provinces. This is 20% higher than the usual passenger volume at PITX during regular days.
“Simula kagabi nag-start na ang numbers natin. Coming from our normal na 150,000 daily, ngayon ay nakita natin ang 188,000 na foot traffic,” Calbasa said at PTV-4’s program Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.
To maintain peace and order and ensure convenient travel experience of passengers, PITX coordinated with different government agencies such as Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Philippine National Police (PNP). In fact, around 45 police officers are deployed around PITX.
The Philippine Red Cross has also set up first aid and emergency response teams to provide medical assistance. At the same time, PITX also has their own Emergency Response Team .
Calbasa assured the public that bus companies will be providing additional units to accommodate passengers, as some trips are already fully booked.
“As of today, mayroon na po tayong mangilan-ngilan na trips na nag-fu-fully booked na pero hindi ko po sinasabi na wala na po tayong trips… Ang nakikita po natin ay mag-fu-fully booked po ito before mag October 30,” Calbasa said.
“May commitment tayo from bus operators na makakapag dagdag sila ng mga bus units, specifically for Bicol Region,” she furthered.