The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) expressed support to the government’s Integrated Bus Terminal Exchange (ITX) program despite opposition due to the inconvenience it would cause to ordinary Filipinos.
Under the program, provincial buses terminate inbound trips at an ITX terminal on the outskirts of the metropolis and passengers transfer to city commuter buses.
MAP said in a statement this bus hub system adheres to best practices in public transportation found worldwide, providing seamless passenger transfers that promote good order and efficiency.
“This ITX system could be a win-win situation for everyone involved. It spares provincial buses from getting stuck in urban traffic and enables faster turnaround trips back to provincial destinations,” MAP said.
MAP said as the ITX terminal will disrupt the convenience of a “single-ride mode” enjoyed by consumers present, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) should accelerate the transition by ensuring timely and adequate city buses at the ITX terminal.
“With that arrangement, commuters will benefit from efficient transfers, and once on the city bus, from the much-reduced vehicle volume, noise, and traffic congestion on EDSA,” MAP said.
The group also urged government to assist the provincial bus operators to transform idled city terminals to other higher-yield commercial uses or disposed them at much higher prices. The gains earned should more than offset the cost of using the ITX terminal.
The group said the program should be implemented as originally conceived.
“Deviating from the basic concept of the ITX program and allowing provincial buses to bypass ITX terminals will derail this vital government program, jeopardize the viability of the terminals, and undermine the sanctity of contracts with private concessionaires, thus, forgoing the many benefits from the program,” MAP said, reacting to appeals of some bus operators to let them keep their city-based terminals.
Meanwhile, at the Pandesal Forum yesterday, transport economist Robert Siy, Pasada commuter group advocate Dom Hernandez and former senator Nikki Coseteng called on government to ease restrictions on provincial buses and pushed other urgent public transport reforms.
Coseteng lamented the fact that only 10 percent of provincial buses are allowed to service commuters and thousands of buses are parked in Bocaue when the commuters need more public transport options. These operate at only 50 percent capacity under Alert Level 2.
Coseteng also urged government to build modern bus and transport terminals to make commuting more efficient.
Hernandez called on the need to address the worsening problem of “colorum” or unregistered, no-franchise public transport vehicles
The forum panelists also urged additional support for the distressed public transport firms, drivers and workers, especially after they’ve suffered two years of pandemic disruptions. – Irma Isip