Airport buses offer rides to Makati, Roxas Blvd.

To “guarantee enhanced travel experiences for passengers,” authorities have fielded premium buses to take flyers to and from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said an initial six premium buses were now available to take passengers from any of the four Naia terminals to either Roxas Boulevard or the Makati Central Business District.

Designated passenger stops have been set up on Roxas Blvd., particularly at the Midas Hotel, Hotel Jen, the Manila Hotel, the Mall of Asia and at Entertainment City.

Those bound for Makati can get off at Glorietta 4 and 5 or the Ascott Hotel.

The air-conditioned premium buses, manned by trained drivers and transport attendants, can accommodate 24 passengers and have spacious compartments for baggage.  They are also equipped with security cameras, a Global Positioning System or GPS and Wi-Fi.  The premium bus service charges a flat rate of P300.

Service provider Air21 will be operating the 24-hour premium airport bus service under “UBE Express.” By June, it expects to deploy a total of 42 buses for the Naia route.

Air21 is looking to develop an automated fare collection system to give passengers the option of advanced online booking.

In a statement, MIAA general manager Jose Angel Honrado said: “With the introduction of the premium bus service, passengers can expect shorter queues for transport vehicles at the curb side areas of the terminals.”

He added that the initiative “[would] guarantee enhanced travel experiences for our passengers.”