Out of more than 14,000 buses plying the roads of Metro Manila, about half of these are interregional or provincial buses, meaning these are the ones that serve the public transport demands to and from Metro Manila and the provinces. Given the present lack of an adequate train system, these buses carry the bulk of public provincial commute with an average of 100,000 commuters per day, not to mention the bulk commercial cargoes that they transport.
The problem, however, is their terminal stations. Spread all over the metropolis are more than 80 provincial terminals, with around 47 of these in Edsa. Except for maybe the big and established bus company terminals, most are just literally hole-in-the-wall terminals that were put up just to secure the conditions for their franchise and business permits. Some smaller bus companies even do illegal terminal operations along the curbside—you find these usually at night along Airport Road, Baclaran, Buendia, and the Balintawak-Monumento stretch. These terminals, without any argument, lead to traffic congestion, and are both unsafe and inconvenient for their passengers.
In 2014, then MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino initiated the issuance of an executive order taking out these terminals in Metro Manila and in place establishing three central transport terminals. These would cater to commuters taking the northern, southern and southwest corridors. The agency tasked to implement this program was the Department of Transportation. Two successful tenders then resulted, with Megawide winning the right to establish and operate the southwest terminal and which is now operating; and the Ayala group winning the right to put up the southern terminal to be located in the old FTI complex. The study for the location of the third terminal was not yet done at the time the new administration came in. This proved to be a blessing as the sites recommended by the assigned consultant were at the fringes of the metropolis but very much along Edsa, namely in Balintawak and Monumento, fortunately an unsolicited proposal was submitted to DOTr offering the Philippine Arena complex as the venue for the northern corridor terminal, which was more appropriate for the purpose.
Earlier this year, the MMDA moved
for the banning of the terminals, specifically the ones along Edsa and
utilizing the interim terminals of Valenzuela and Santa Rosa. Because of this,
the Quezon City government announced the nonrenewal of
business permits for the terminals in their jurisdiction. The LTFRB, on the
other hand, also issued a statement on the modification of routes of the
affected buses. Everything was set for the move to the interim sites. However,
a temporary restraining order was issued by a Quezon City trial court, with a
number of bus companies understandably praying for the said issuance.
True, there are valid points against these provincial terminals. Those opposed to the terminals, particularly the affected bus operators, and some legislators and commuter groups point out the inconvenience and higher cost of commute of the passengers. They envision passengers paying and being inconvenienced more with the need to take an extra ride on city buses to and from the terminals. But DOTr addresses this already with the commitment to bring in more dedicated P2P buses for the terminal—city routes at a cost that is equal if not cheaper than what passengers would be paying now. Another point raised by the opposition is that private vehicle and not buses are the ones causing congestion. Such argument fails to acknowledge that each of the more than 100,000 passengers utilizing these terminals ride in either private vehicles or taxis to and from these stations. That is 100,000 vehicles a day taken out from Edsa once provincial bus terminals are placed outside the city premises.
Our transport regulators should remain steadfast in pursuing the eventual operations of these central transport terminals, notwithstanding the current legal impediments. Provincial bus terminals in Metro Manila must go. And not just for reducing traffic congestion. Such a move will ensure a safer, more convenient and more efficient travel for our metro—provincial commuters.
Thomas Tim Orbos was former DOTr undersecretary for roads and general manager of the MMDA. He is currently undertaking further studies at the McCourt School of Public Policy of Georgetown University. He can be reached via e-mail at thomas_orbos@sloan.mit.edu