Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 10) — Transport terminals are ready to take on thousands of passengers heading out beginning Monday as the Holy Week break begins.
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Ed Monreal said he expected an increase by 15 percent or 17,000 more passengers at all NAIA terminals from April 8 to April 12.
There has been a steady flow of passengers at the NAIA Terminal 3 since 4 a.m. Monday, and more passengers are expected to be in the departure area as the day progresses.
Monreal said more than 150 immigration officers have been deployed at international departures in NAIA 1, 2, and 3 to prevent a buildup of queues in immigration counters.
Spot inspection done, safety measures in place
The Interagency Council on Traffic, along with some government officials, conducted bus terminal safety inspections before noon on Monday.
They found one bus company operating without a business permit. Another was reprimanded after officials discovered passengers were made to sit along the bus’s aisle in violation of rules that require passengers to be properly seated.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issued an order on Friday requiring bus drivers to drive for six hours only. LTFRB member Aileen Lizada said this measure will be strictly implemented,
Read: Bus drivers can drive for only 6 hours per trip – LTFRB
Long-haul trips – like Visayas- and Mindanao-bound buses – are required to have two drivers on board, she added.
Bus drivers say this policy has always been in place.
“Ang bus po namin ay dalawa ang driver, palitan sila. Pagdating ng anim na oras palitan sila… matagal na po yan, sir. Noong umpisa pa ng biyahe namin,” bus driver Joel Toledo said.
[Translation: Our bus has two drivers and they alternate. They alternate every six hours…that has long been in place, sir. Since we started plying our routes.]
Officials from the Movie And Television Review And Classification Board also conducted an inspection to see whether movies played onboard during the bus trip are suitable for passengers of all ages.
Bus terminals less crowded but still busy
Bus passengers bound for the provinces are arriving in a steady stream at the Araneta Bus Terminal in Quezon City.
Waiting areas were filled with passengers early Monday, but were less crowded as it neared noon.
Read: Holy Week exodus: Long queues at NAIA; most bus trips fully booked
Passengers said they made the decision to travel arlier to get comfortable seats on buses.
Most bus companies – especially those bound for Visayas and Minandao – say they are fully booked.
Airport officials recommend early arrival
For both domestic and international flights, airport officials say passengers should be at the airport at least three hours before their departure time.
To avoid unnecessary delays, airport officials are reminding passengers to stay within luggage weight limits, and avoid carrying prohibited materials inside their baggage.
Queues at airport gates and check-in counters are long — but passengers say the waiting time is manageable.
Many are headed to domestic vacation destinations such as Boracay, while others are headed to their home provinces in the south such as Cebu and Davao City.
Many passengers arrive early ahead of flight
