Wanted: Shuttle for PITX-Metro

Shuttle operators may start applying for special permits from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to ferry passengers to and from the newly opened Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, LTFRB Chair Martin Delgra III said the board earlier approved the deployment of shuttle services to the country’s first landport for the convenience of Metro-bound commuters.

Soft opening

The “all-in-one” modern intermodal terminal has yet to become fully operational with bus operators still adjusting to the new policies being implemented at the facility.

Under the Department of Transportation’s route rationalization scheme, provincial buses servicing areas within the greater Metro Manila area could have their franchises converted to city operations. This would allow them to enter the metropolis instead of making PITX their final stop.

Buses plying routes outside the provinces of Cavite, Laguna and Batangas, on the other hand, would be required to drop off all of their passengers at the terminal.

Reducing the number of provincial buses plying Edsa through the PITX opening was part of the transportation department’s “basketful of solutions” to ease Metro traffic.

However, commuters were still adjusting to the changes especially now that they would need connecting trips to get to their final destinations in the metropolis.

A shuttle service would help fill up the need for connecting trips, Delgra said, adding that the LTFRB would also determine the fare rates to be charged by these shuttle vehicles.