More travelers expected at Araneta bus terminals amid Christmas rush

MANILA, Philippines — Some 10,000 travelers were expected to arrive at Araneta Center bus stations to catch trips to go home in their provinces in time for Christmas.

Araneta Bus Terminal General Manager Mon Legaspi said they expected the number of travelers to increase this year by four percent from last year’s. He did not, however, elaborate on the basis of his estimate.

“Four percent higher compared (to) last year, baka mag-increase pa tayo 9,000 or 10,000 for both terminals,” Legaspi told INQUIRER.net.

On Saturday, Legaspi reported about 8,000 travelers flocked in the bus stations – 4,000 each in Araneta Center Old Bus Terminal and Bus Port.

Legaspi also reminded passengers not to bring prohibited items such as deadly weapons onboard. In fact, he said, a machete (itak) was confiscated by authorities from a passenger over the weekend.

However, some travelers complained about the situation in Araneta bus terminals this year.

Alfredo Lumor told INQUIRER.net about the insufficient number of buses going to provinces, leaving passengers to languish in bus stations.

“Medyo kulang ‘yung bus na papunta sa probinsya kaya nagkaipon sa sakay,” he said.

Joy Ann Garfin, meanwhile, said bus tickets reservations were quicker last year.

“Kumpara last year, mas mabilis dati makakuha ng reservation ng bus,” Garfin said in an interview with INQUIRER.net. /kga