The first modern intermodal public transport terminal to be built in the country is now in its final phase of construction and is expected to be operational next month.
The government is hastening the construction of the Integrated Terminal Exchange in Parañaque City, which is 88.28-percent complete as of May 28.
The ITX aimed to provide seamless transfers, fixed departure schedules, and centralized ticketing system for provincial buses while reducing the number of buses plying Epifanio de los Santos Avenue.
The facility, in a four-hectare land along Coastal Road, will provide seamless interconnectivity of the different modes of transportation from the neighboring provinces south of Metro Manila.
“Almost done and soon to open next month —the very first integrated provincial transport terminal in Parañaque. Taking care in a more efficient, convenient and safe manner of more than 100,000 commuters daily and decongesting Metro Manila of more than 1,000 buses, jeepneys and UV vans,” said Thomas Orbos, Transportation Undersecretary for Roads and Infrastructure.
The transport hub will interconnect Line 1 of the Light Railway Transit system, city and provincial buses, as well as UV express and public utility jeeps routes for the convenience of about 200,000 passengers daily and to further ease the flow of traffic on Edsa.
The terminal is envisioned to be a modern transportation hub that will significantly improve the commuting and terminal experience of passengers.
The facility will be the first among several terminals that will be built around the peripheries of Metro Manila.
The strategic location will maximize road usage and reduce the number of public utility vehicles plying busy road networks such as Edsa, particularly areas of Baclaran and Taft Avenue.
Further, with the government’s Route Rationalization Plan that will be soon implemented, reorganization of routes will be a priority.
This means provincial PUVs will only be allowed to load and unload in ITX, avoiding Edsa altogether.
ITX was designed to resemble an airport terminal with multi-level platforms.
It will have passenger terminal buildings, embarkation and disembarkation bays, staging bays, ticketing and baggage handling facilities, and park-ride facilities.
Catching a bus is also made easier with the On-line Bus Ticketing System, an intuitive online and on-site booking and ticketing system.
Departure schedules will also be displayed on large screens.
Buses will likewise be equipped with Ultra-High Frequency tag for efficient managing, tracking, and monitoring inside the terminal premises.
Vehicles and passengers’ queuing, loading, and unloading will all be systematized. The terminal will also be equipped with Wi-Fi and charging points.
For added comfort, there will be air-conditioned lounges and waiting areas for passengers, as well as retail stores and food centers.
Drivers will also have their own retiring room.
Closed circuit television cameras and baggage scanners will be installed and security personnel will be stationed 24/7 to ensure safety of passengers.
In order to make the terminal more vibrant, commercial spaces and offices will be occupying the premises. This will also ensure a steady flow of passengers that will be using the new terminal.
