Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 23) — Bus operators are expecting bigger crowds and longer lines at bus terminals this long weekend as Christmas day approaches.
Compared to Thursday, more chance passengers went to the Araneta Bus Terminal in Quezon City on Friday to secure seats. This despite announcements that almost all trips had been booked.
Some chance passengers stood in line for hours even as bus operators could not guarantee a ride. There were also long queues for buses bound for Iloilo and Bicol.
Operators said it is up to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board if it will issue more special permits for buses to get on the road this weekend.
Passengers arrived two to four hours earlier for their trips so as not to risk being late.
Traffic navigation app Waze forecast that Friday, December 22, would be the worst day to drive in the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia during the holiday season.
Earlier, the Metro Manila Development Authority said it expected some 402,000 vehicles on EDSA on Friday, up from 13 percent a year ago.
READ: MMDA: Expect ‘carmageddon’ on Friday, Dec. 22
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) also marked a 10-to-12-percent increase in passenger volume, peaking on Friday.
NAIA General Manager Ed Monreal attributed the increase to a friendlier travel atmosphere boosted by more discounted air fares this year. He said this may have encouraged people to go out of the country.
CNN Philippines Senior Correspondent Cecille Lardizabal and Correspondent Triciah Terada contributed to this story.
