Party-list group airs concern over centralized bus terminals

MANILA, Philippines - A party-list transport group expressed concern yesterday over the setting up of centralized bus terminals in Metro Manila, saying it may worsen traffic and result in the inconvenience of commuters.

Vigor Mendoza, 1-UTAK chairman, said central terminals in other parts of the country have been short of satisfactory, adding that some local governments have used them as a fundraising activity.

“The high court said the creation of said terminals is like uprooting the tree to get rid of a rotten branch,” he said.

Mendoza said bus terminals in other countries are scattered throughout the city because traffic is better managed if passenger and vehicle flow  are distributed.

“By creating a centralized bus terminal, you may relieve traffic in one area but create a bigger congestion in the area where the central terminal is located,” he said. 

Mendoza said 1-UTAK has adopted a wait-and-see attitude on the planned integrated bus terminals in Metro Manila. He said they are looking at the flow of passengers and vehicle traffic around the proposed terminal site. The terminal should also be accessible to the passengers, he said.

He said there is no need for central terminals if the only objective is to ease traffic congestion, which may be addressed by existing traffic laws.

 â€œIf this is merely a land development project and would not really promote greater passenger convenience, reduced operating cost for the public transport sector, then 1-UTAK cannot support its development,” he added.