DOTr reminder: Provincial buses should use PITX

The P5.6-billion Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, the country’s first landport, can accommodate 200,000 passengers. (File photo by MARIANNE BERMUDEZ / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — All public utility vehicles to pass through the newly-established Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) to facilitate the transfer of passengers, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said in a statement issued on Sunday.

DOTr issued the statement after Cavite Gov. Jesus Crispin Remulla proposed to Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade the passenger buses coming from his province and headed for Metro Manila be allowed to pass through PITX to drop off or pick up passengers.

The DOTr noted, however, that most provincial buses continued to avoid stopping at the PITX, despite a policy ordering the drivers to do so.

These buses still load and unload at the Liwasang Bonifacio (Plaza Lawton) area in Manila or in Pasay City.

According to the DOTr, this results in a shortage of buses at the PITX, “especially during afternoon and evening rush hours.”

Under Department Order 2018-25, all provincial buses must end their routes at PITX, while city buses of the Greater Metro Manila Area are allowed to end their trips at their own terminals.

The DOTr also pointed out that it had opened franchise applications for UV Express units to ferry passengers from Cavite to PITX.

This is a step that should colorum operations at the PITX, the DOTr said.

Currently, five buses offer free shuttle services to and from PITX.

These buses are from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Philippine Coast Guard, the DOTr said. /atm