The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) plans to set up two centralized bus terminals for provincial buses on both ends of the metropolis and to issue a unified smart card system, both proposals aimed at easing up traffic in Metro Manila.
MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said the terminals would be located in Balintawak, Quezon City, and Mall of Asia in Pasay City, adding these would operate “like an airport” with scheduled time of arrivals and departures for commuters.
The centralized terminal in Balintawak is envisioned to be a strategic position for commuters traveling to the northern provinces, while the Pasay terminal will be considered as the gateway for southern provincial routes.
The measure is expected to lead to the phase out of the terminals currently situated in Cubao and the inner interchanges of Pasay.
Tolentino reported no resistance during his initial talks with group leaders last week, and is set to resume negotiations on June 10.
“The project is ready and is waiting for approval through a private-public partnership,” he said.
The MMDA chief also proposed the use of “smart cards” that can serve as “all-in-one” ticket for buses and trains.
Once implemented, the measure will also help in identifying “colorum” buses, or vehicles without official franchises, said Traffic Management Assistant General Emerson Carlos.
“The use of cashless transactions through ‘smart cards’ will also avoid robbery (kupit) from erring drivers, it will avoid (kotong) bribery from enforcers, and it will avoid holdups of drivers,” he added.
Both measures were inspired by traffic management efficiency practices in South Korea.
“I have seen how efficient this scheme works in South Korea,” said Tolentino yesterday at the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the MMDA and Governor Kim Moon-Soo of Gyeong-Gi , South Korea.
Kim signed a pledge to share his country’s best practices in urban planning. Gyeong-Gi is the seat of government of South Korea. Its capital, Seoul, is regarded as one of the most populous cities in that country.