Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Department of Transportation (DOTr) officials have inspected the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and other bus terminals to ensure the roadworthiness of buses and the safety of passengers this holiday season.
MMDA chair Romando Artes and Transport Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor started the inspections on Monday, six days before Christmas day.
“We want to make sure the transport vehicles are roadworthy and the riding public going to and from provinces are safe during their trips this holiday,” Artes said.
He also assured that the traffic management plan to be implemented by the agency is ready in preparation for the influx of passengers.
The MMDA advised the passengers to tell the bus company management if they encounter problems during their trip.
Aside from this, clearing operations continue on the main streets in Metro Manila, even in the nearby transport terminals, to keep them obstruction-free.
The MMDA also urged the people to do their Christmas shopping early and try to avoid the holiday rush and suggested that shoppers to visit commercial centers nearest to their homes to avoid being trapped in traffic jams.
The increase in traffic volume can also be attributed to the influx of people and vehicles coming from Southern Tagalog and Central Luzon to go shopping, visit and spend the holidays with friends and relatives.
Among the traffic measures being enforced by the government to ease traffic in the metropolis are the moratorium on road diggings, the motorcycle lane policy, the Mabuhay Lanes or alternate routes for private motorists, the adjusted shopping mall hours, and the banned delivery of goods during daytime.
