President Rodrigo Duterte is set to lead the inauguration of the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange on Nov. 5 this year, according to the Department of Transportation.
PITX, located along Coastal Road, is the first integrated and multi-modal terminal in the southwestern part of Metro Manila, serving as a transfer point between provincial buses from Cavite, Batangas and in-city modes of transportation.
It will also provide interconnectivity between different transport modes and services that will help ensure efficient and seamless travel for the riding public.
“This is not just your ordinary terminal, but a landmark transportation hub that is set to uplift the overall terminal experience of our countrymen,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.
Once operational, PITX is expected to reduce the number of provincial buses plying Metro Manila, specifically along Taft Avenue-Pasay and Edsa.
The PPP project undertaken by MWM Terminals Inc. aims to improve overall ground transport options for commuters, modernizing transfer of passengers among private vehicles and public transport options to surrounding road networks such as Cavitex and the LRT-1 extension.
Tugade negotiated for the removal of the annual grantor’s payment amounting to P100 million for 35 years. The initiative saved the government P3.5 billion.
PITX features a design on par with world-class standards, passenger-friendly systems, multi-modal connections and a wide range of commercial services.
The terminal building includes three levels: departure bay for buses, jeepneys and taxis situated on the ground floor, arrival bays for buses on the second floor, and private vehicle facilities such as parking spaces, AUV bays, and a connection to the proposed LRT-1 extension project situated at the third floor. Five floors of premiere office spaces will be available for lease.
PITX has a maximum daily capacity of 100,000 passengers and peak hour passenger volume of 4,380 arrivals and 3,808 departures.
Trips per day are about 1,060 arrivals and 949 departures. PITX will also house 59 bays for provincial and city buses, 49 bays for UV express and jeepneys and 852 car parking slots.
For driver convenience, park-ride facilities and maintenance areas for minor repairs of vehicles are available.
Bus reservations are hassle free as the terminal features a state-of-the-art bus reservation and online booking with seat selection options, and an advance ticketing system with centralized ticketing counters and 50 automated ticketing kiosks.
PITX houses modern concourse facilities such as comfortable seating spaces at waiting areas, free Wi-Fi access, drinking water stations, traveler’s workstation areas, charging points, locker facilities and telephone booths.
A centralized shopping center is available inside the terminal, featuring a wide variety of retail, food and a supermarket for passenger needs.
Health and wellness amenities are also available such as baby care rooms, breastfeeding stations, clinic, prayer room, pay-in lounge, and clean restrooms. Trolleys and wheelchairs are available for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
All operations and activities are monitored through PITX’s 24-hour CCTV monitoring, along with an advanced 24-hour feedback center for all customers.