Gov’t launches premium airport bus service

MANILA, Philippines – The transport agencies on Wednesday launched the premium airport bus services for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 for the airport passengers.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Manila International Airport Authority are launching the premium airport bus service that will roll out on a 24-hour basis to improve transport services for airport passengers.

DOTC Chief Joseph Emilio Abaya said it is “imperative for the government to improve transportation service, make it reliable and convenience.”

The premium airport bus service will be operated by bus firm Air21, under the brand name UBE Express while Mercedes Benz partnered with Air21 to manufacture the units. There are a total of 42 bus units that will transport passengers to and from the NAIA with a flat rate of P300.

The air-conditioned bus units which can carry 24 passengers come with large compartment for baggage, closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV), Global Positioning System (GPS) and an on-board Wi-Fi facility.

Passengers will also be allowed to book in advance online as the automated fare collection system will be used.

Aside from the equipment mentioned, the bus service also has an on-board transport attendants like airline flight attendants to help in operations.

The bus services will have two routes from NAIA terminals 1, 2 and 3. Routes are headed to Roxas Boulevard and Makati Central Business District where there will be designated off-street passengers stops such as malls and hotels.

For the Roxas Boulevard routes, passengers will be allowed to board and descend from the bus at Midas Hotel, Hotel Jen, Manila Hotel, Mall of Asia and the Entertainment City while for the Makati City route, passengers are able to stop at Glorietta 4 and 5, as well as Ascott Hotel.

The premium airport bus service was launched after the success of Premium Point-to-Point bus service.

Abaya admitted the project was delayed by repairs at the airport and the rail system in the country.

“Ang mahalaga sa tao may solusyon sa problema,” Abaya was quoted by a report.

Abaya denied that there is a bidding process for the company that will operate the bus service. He said there was only selection process made that led to choosing Air21 as its operator.

The premium bus service will begin on Thursday with only six units. The rest of the units will be made available by May.