Commuters flock to bus terminals for Holy Week

Raisa Serafica

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Commuters flock to bus terminals for Holy Week
Long lines at bus terminals spill over EDSA sidewalks and footbridges

MANILA, Philippines – Hundreds of commuters flocked to public transportation terminals in Manila on Thursday, April 17 in time for the Holy week break.

In Cubao, queues at bus terminals snaked through EDSA sidewalks and footbridges. Most of the commuters are either going home to their provinces or taking a vacation for the Easter holiday.

Arlene, a commuter travelling to Olongapo, spent almost 5 hours in line for a bus ticket.

Dito na ako natulog. Wala namang magagawa kasi kailangang umuwi,” Arlene added.

(I spent the night here at the terminal. There’s nothing I can do since I have to go home).

Needs improvement

A day earlier on Wednesday, President Benigno Aquino III inspected 5 public transportation terminals.  

The President along with Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Joseph Abaya visited Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminals 3 and 4, North Port Passenger Terminal Complex, Five Star terminal in Cubao and Jac Liner terminal in Kamias.

Aquino said he was happy about the improvements he has seen since he became President, but admitted much has left to be done. The President also apologized for the inefficient air conditioning at NAIA airport terminal 1. 

“We ask for understanding and patience but the processes in government are really strict,” he said, adding that the procurement process in government takes at least 4 months,” the President said. 

ROAD WORK. Traffic is heavy in EDSA Southbound due to ongoing road block. Photo by Ayee Macaraig/Rappler

During the inspection, Abaya also briefed the President on DOTC’s operations and plans for the Holy Week.

EDSA reblocking

Aside from congestion in public transportation terminals, commuters staying in Manila should also prepare for bottleneck traffic along EDSA.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to finish major road work along one of the major thoroughfares in Metro Manila until Monday, April 21.

Road work for EDSA southbound started at 2pm on Wednesday, April 16, and will end at 8pm on Friday, April 18.

Meanwhile road work along EDSA northbound is scheduled to start on Friday, April 18 and finish at 5am on Monday, April 21. – Rappler.com

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Raisa Serafica

Raisa Serafica is the Unit Head of Civic Engagement of Rappler. As the head of MovePH, Raisa leads the on ground engagements of Rappler aimed at building a strong community of action in the Philippines. Through her current and previous roles at Rappler, she has worked with different government agencies, collaborated with non-governmental organizations, and trained individuals mostly on using digital technologies for social good.