BRING extra patience during the holidays, travelers.

Approximately 170,000 passengers daily are anticipated to use the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange during the Christmas holidays, Corporate Affairs and Government Relations Head, Jason Salvador said Tuesday.

Before the peak season, PITX reported roughly 140,000 passengers daily in recent months.

During Malacañang’s Laging Handa public briefing, Salvador said the PITX management recorded 168,000 passengers last Saturday and is expected to surge during the Christmas season.

“Our estimate for this Christmas week is that we will actually have an average of 160,000 to 170,000 passengers per day, that’s why our preparations are in full swing here.,” said Salvador.

Since many Filipinos haven’t been home for the last two years during the pandemic, he said passengers will take advantage of this opportunity to go to their provinces. 

“The number of our public vehicles must be sufficient, that’s why we continue to communicate with the DOTr [Department of Transportation, the LTFRB [Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board] to ensure that,” he said.

LTFRB said the franchising board will provide special permits to public utility vehicles if needed, he said.

To ensure that all vehicles traveling to provinces are safe, Salvador said that the PITX is coordinating with the Land Transportation Office to provide random checks and random drug testing to ensure both drivers and passengers are safe during the Christmas rush.

The Philippine National Police will also deploy law its peoplearound the terminal to maintain peace and order, he said.

Despite loosened restrictions and lesser documents needed upon entrance, passengers are encouraged to bring their vaccination cards in case the end destination will require proof of vaccination. Passengers are also advised to observe minimum public health standards to avoid contracting the COVID-19 virus, said Salvador.

Photo Credit: PITX