The Duterte Administration Proposed To Remove Bus Terminals On Highways, But Was Opposed By Bus Operators!

It was reported that President-elect Rodrigo Roa Duterte's administration has made a proposal to remove bus terminals from busy highways in an attempt to unclog traffic in Metro Manila. Unfortunately, the Provincial Bus Operators Association (PBOAP) executive director, Alex Yague stated commuters will be at a disadvantage if bus terminals are taken out of the accessible streets in the metropolis.

"More importantly, mga pasahero na sineserbisyuhan, na dinadala namin coming from the provinces para maghanapbuhay (ang maapektuhan)." 

Yague explained that President Aquino in 2012 issued an executive order (EO) establishing unified bus terminals at Metro Manila's north and south side to prevent buses from entering major lane. And after the EO was implemented, the outcome not only did not ease the traffic situation but also made more passengers prefer to take 'colorum' buses. 

"Sa tingin namin 'pag inalis yung mga bus, 'yung mga pasaherong dating sumasakay ng bus hahanap ng ibang masasakyan. Ang nangyari tulad sa Cavite pumalit lang ang mga colorum instead na mga lehitimong operator. Walang kasiguruhan ang mga pasahero. Walang insurance. Wala silang terminal at dito magkakaroon ng laganap na trapik, ang isang bus ay kapantay ng tatlo o apat na van."

As Yague has said, if they take out bus terminals the passengers will decide to take 'colorums' and vans, that are not only illegitimate but can also expose passengers to danger. And for that reason, Yague is persuading the Duterte administration to consult transport groups before pursuing emergency powers for the traffic mess so that the interests of all parties can be taken into consideration.

"Imumungkahi namin sa mga mamahala sa Department of Transportation at sa LTFRB na unahin ang konsultasyon, I'm sure meron silang solusyon, willing naman kami makiupo sa kanila at maishare din ang aming mga nakikita."

Source: ABS-CBN