PITX expects 150,000 daily passengers for ‘Undas’

MANILA: The Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) anticipates to serve 150,000 passengers per day for the Undas long weekend.

Malacañang declared October 31 (Monday) as a special non-working holiday to give Filipinos more time to spend with their families and to promote local tourism during the Undas holidays.

November 1 (Tuesday) is also declared as a special non-working day in observance of All Saints’ Day.

PITX Corporate Affairs and Government Relations Head Jason Salvador said the terminal is ready for the surge of passengers as the terminal already serves an average of 120,000 passengers per day in the past several weeks.

He added that PITX employed additional security and maintenance personnel in preparation of the long weekend.

“Sinigurado po natin na lahat po ng kawani natin dito ay bakunado (We assured that all of our staff are vaccinated),” Salvador stated.

The PITX has also coordinated with local and national government agencies to guarantee the smooth movement of traffic around the terminal and ensure the safety of the commuters.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will be giving special permits to public utility vehicle operators if needed, while the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will ensure the safety of the motorists and the commuters.

“Magsasagawa ng mga random checks sa ating mga roadworthiness ng mga pampublikong sasakyan at tsitsekin din po nila iyong kaayusan ng ating mga tsuper (Random checks will be conducted to ensure roadworthiness of public utility vehicles and we will also check the condition of the drivers),” Salvador added.

PITX is now involved in a “multi-sectoral meeting” between LTO, LTFRB, the Philippine National Police, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority for Oplan Undas.

Covid-19 ambassadors are also deployed in PITX to curb the spread of COVID-19.

“Ito iyong mga kawani na walang ibang gagawin kundi ang mag-ikot, magpaalala, manita ng mga pasahero tungkol sa mga COVID-19 protocols (These are personnel whose sole task is to make rounds, remind, and call out commuters regarding COVID-19 protocols),” Salvador said.

Commuters are also required to wear face masks and observe proper physical distancing on public transport.

Although commuters are no longer required to present vaccination cards at PITX, Salvador still reminded them to bring it in case these are needed at their destinations.

Weapons, flammable, and explosive items are prohibited at PITX. It is also encouraged for passengers to limit their luggage to make their travel more convenient.

Photo by Hazel Nicole Carreon

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