Laguna operators start signature drive vs Alabang bus hub

MANILA, Philippines - Bus operators have started a signature campaign to ask the government to defer the establishment of a bus terminal in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

HM Liner owner Homer Mercado, president of the Laguna bus operators’ group, said yesterday they have gathered more than 1,500 signatures from passengers who object to a plan by the government to set up a terminal for buses from Laguna at the South Station complex in Muntinlupa.

The government aims to decongest EDSA by limiting provincial buses to the outskirts of Metro Manila. The first bus hub, for buses from Cavite and Batangas, was set up at the Coastal Mall earlier this year. Commuters and bus firms have criticized the Coastal Mall terminal as being improperly planned.

“We are appealing to Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson to defer the implementation of the South Interim Transport Terminal projects for the remainder of 2013 until a sure-win formula has been arrived at,” Mercado said.

He said the South Station complex in Alabang can only accommodate around 220 buses. Bus  drivers would jockey for position at the Alabang and Filinvest toll plazas along the South Luzon Expressway, he added.

Mercado said around 3,500 provincial buses operate south of Manila.

He warned that the traffic jam that will result with the establishment of the Alabang bus hub could well extend many kilometers in the south.