‘Undas’ exodus: Low turnout of passengers on Tuesday due to ‘Rosita’

Two days before the observance of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, the number of travelers trooping the Araneta Center bus station in Cubao went down unexpectedly on Tuesday, when the influx of passengers was supposed to start.

Ramon Legaspi, general manager of the Araneta bus station—the largest bus terminal in Quezon City, said the low turnout of passengers could be attributed to the prevailing inclement weather brought about by Typhoon “Rosita.”

The bad weather could have prompted the cancellation of their vessel (roll-on, roll-off) trips.

“Sa ngayon po napapabalita naman na may ilang biyahe tayong nakansela partikular yung mga papuntang Panay region, Iloilo at yung mga from Batangas to Mindoro dahil doon sa sama ng panahon,” Legaspi said.

(For now, there had been reports that there were several trips that had been canceled particularly heading toward Panay region, Iloilo and those coming from Batangas to Mindoro because of the inclement weather.)

“We’re still awaiting doon sa pagbibigay ng go signal ng Coast Guard nang sa ganoon ay makatawid na itong mga buses at maaring makaalis na dito sa ating bus terminal,” he added.

(We are still awaiting the go signal coming from the [Philippine] Coast Guard so that our buses can leave our terminal and be allowed to pass the ports.)

The security officer at the Araneta Center bus station doesn’t seem to have a hard time checking the people coming in the terminal because of low turnout on Tuesday–two days before the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. INQUIRER.net photo / NOY MORCOSO

During the peak seasons that include “Undas,” the number of travelers at the Araneta bus station wishing to visit their provinces usually climbs up to 3,000, Legaspi said.

On Monday, for example, Legaspi said they have recorded a total of 5,000 passengers, 3,000 of which went through the bus station while the remaining 2,000 were from the Araneta bus port, the terminal for air-conditioned buses.

However, on Tuesday, with the current flow of passengers, Legaspi said the management is expecting to accommodate at least 2,000 to 3,000 passengers from both bus stations.

The general manager said that passengers whose trips were canceled due to bad weather condition are welcome to stay at the bus station while waiting for the resumption of sea voyage.

“Sa mga pasahero na nanggaling pa sa malalayong lugar na unfortunately na-cancel yung trip at mahihirapan na silang bumalik uli sa kanilang mga tahanan, they can stay here naman sa bus station, maluwag naman ang ating area, until such time na magbigay ng go-signal ang Coast Guard para magresume ang biyahe,” he said.

(To the passengers who came from far places but unfortunately their trip was cancelled and it’s hard for them to go back home, they can stay here at the bus station, we have spacious area, until such time that the Coast Guard will allow the resumption of trip.)

Several passengers who were at the bus station were also surprised to see the low volume of individuals in the bus station, comparing it with the high influx of passengers last year.

A passenger named Nida Gabito, 35, who is traveling to Sta. Martha in Sorsogon, said that with the unusually low influx of passengers, waiting for her bus ride was very convenient this time, compared last year when the terminal is jam-packed.

“Parang mas madali ngayon [ang paghihintay] kaysa noon kasi noon punung-puno talaga eh, ngayon kaunti lang [ang pasahero],” Gabito said.

(It is easier today than last year when the [terminal] is crowded with passengers.]

Another passenger Roy Baldito, 45, who is traveling to Sta. Magdalena in Sorsogon, said that the volume of passengers appears to be lower than that of last year.

“Maluwag ngayon, hindi tulad ng dati na talagang siksikan. Katulad ng dati kasi noong umuwi ako, grabe talaga, hindi mahulugan ng karayom ito, siksikan talaga,” he said.

(It is more comfortable this time, unlike before when this place is crowded with people you cannot drop a needle.)

Government authorities and police have already been stationed at the bus terminal since Monday to ensure the smooth flow of operations and the safety of the passengers.

The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group has started inspecting the quality and condition of the buses as well as its drivers to ensure a safe trip for the passengers.

The Department of Transportation activated “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2018” last Oct. 27.

Personnel from the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board, Quezon City Police, Highway Patrol Group, Land Transportation Office and Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office were already at the station to monitor the situation at the terminal. /jpv

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