MANILA, Philippines — At least 1.7 million passengers are expected to use the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) amid the expected influx of commuters this Holy Week.
In a radio interview, PITX spokesman Jason Salvador said concerned government agencies met last Friday to finalize the preparation for the exodus of people to their respective provinces.
“We are busy preparing one week before Holy Week as we expect our fellow Filipinos to rest, travel and have a spiritual retreat. That’s why we at the PITX are conducting the necessary preparations,” he said.
Salvador added that passengers at PITX are expected to increase starting March 22 until after March 31.
“We expect a spread of passengers who will go to the provinces. We expect that starting Friday, the passengers will start to balloon leading to the Holy Week until their return until after Easter Sunday,” he said.
According to Salvador, the biggest number of passengers in a single day was recorded on Dec. 23, 2023 when at least 204,000 passengers used the PITX.
Salvador said that the PITX is coordinating with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on the issuance of special permits for buses.
“The LTFRB agreed to assign personnel at PITX so that if we need emergency buses, it can immediately issue a special permit,” Salvador said.
According to Salvador, random drug tests would also be conducted to ensure that the drivers are fit to work.
He said that the PITX would also ensure the roadworthiness of public utility vehicles to ensure the safety of the passengers.
“We will work with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Land Transportation Office to check on the roadworthiness of public transports,” he said.