Senate passes bill to enhance transport terminals on second reading

Sen. Grace Poe. Photo by Cathy Miranda/INQUIRER.net

A senate bill that would improve transport terminals nationwide by providing free Wi-Fi connection and prohibiting the collection of fees for the use of clean sanitary facilities has been approved on second reading.

Senator Grace Poe, who filed and sponsored Senate Bill No. 1749 or An Act to Improve Land Transportation Terminals, Stations, Stops, Rest Areas, and Roll-On/ Roll-Off Terminals, said the proposed measure would help improve the traveling experience of the public.

“This measure is important as we find ways to improve the overall experience of Filipino travelers,” Poe, chair of the Committee on Public Services, said in a statement on Tuesday.

If the bill is enacted into law, the senator said, owners, operators, or administrators of transport terminals would be required to provide clean sanitary facilities for free.

“Nararapat lamang na walang bayad ang paggamit ng malinis na palikuran sa mga terminal dahil ang pagkakaroon ng maayos na pasilidad ay serbisyo sa publiko,” Poe noted.

Under the bill, passengers would not be charged for the use of sanitary facilities.  Instead, they would only show their paid bus tickets for the corresponding day to have access to public comfort rooms.

The measure, which Poe said is supported by transport groups and state agencies, also mandates the government through the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) to provide free internet.

Aside from these, the bill also seeks the establishment of lactation stations inside terminals, in compliance with Republic Act (RA) 7600 as amended by R.A. 10028, or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009.

Further, the bill penalizes violating terminal owners, operators, and administrators with a fine of P5,000.            /kga