By Gabriela Baron
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) assured Wednesday, March 29, that mass transport is ready for the influx of passengers during the Holy Week.
Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista said during his inspection of the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) that the transport agency’s aviation, railway, road, and maritime sectors are “very much prepared” for the exodus of passengers.
“Handang-handa na tayo. Ang [Manila International Airport Authority] MIAA ay handang-handa, there [is] coordination among all the stakeholders in MIAA,” Bautista said.
“Gayundin ang Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) natin, handa na sila sa pagdagsa ng pasahero. Handa na ang bagong bukas na passenger terminal building ng Calapan, Oriental Mindoro,” Bautista added.
Bautista said the DOTr coordinated with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), as well as local government units to ensure smooth and safe traffic flow.
“Sa land [transport] sector naman, we have all the coordination with MMDA, LTO, LTFRB at yung mga LGUs para maging maayos yung traffic natin,” he said.
Bautista also advised travelers to arrive early at airports to avoid inconvenience before traveling.
“‘Yung mga traveler, especially yung mga lilipad, kung dati two hours yung nire-require natin, siguro gawin nating three hours. Mas mabuti na ‘yung nandoon tayo sa airport kaysa maipit tayo sa mga traffic,” he added. – cf