DOTr Directs PITX Concessionaire to Comply with Concession Agreement, Implement Improvements

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has called for the immediate action of MWM Terminals, Inc., concessionaire of the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), to comply with its Concession Agreement (CA) and implement recommended improvements for a more efficient operation of the country's first 'landport.'

In a letter dated December 18, 2018 addressed to MWM Terminals President Manuel Louie Ferrer, DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark de Leon detailed operational issues inside the PITX and the courses of action recommended to ensure the concessionaire's compliance with the CA for the benefit and convenience of the commuting public.

These include the submission of a revised traffic plan to improve vehicular flow inside the terminal, and the installation of conspicuous directional signage to improve passenger circulation.

The concessionaire was also requested to adjust the loading time at departure bays, as provincial bus operators have pointed out in an earlier dialogue with the DOTr that the 15-minute loading time is short and insufficient during off-peak hours.

Usec. De Leon also indicated in the letter to MWM Terminals the need to decongest the Public Utility Jeepney loading and unloading areas, and the lack of ventilation therein, to reduce the passengers’ exposure to health risks from vehicular smoke.

The DOTr also advised MWM Terminals to coordinate with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to install bigger reflectorized stickers on buses to easily and effectively distinguish City Buses from Provincial Buses. Further, Provincial Buses must be tagged with 'PITX Only' reflectorized stickers to promptly inform commuters that said buses will terminate routes at the PITX, and to avoid overcharging of fares.

To familiarize bus drivers and conductors with the PITX dispatching system, MWM Terminals was also requested to prepare informational materials explaining the dispatching and scheduling system to drivers and conductors.

The DOTr also recommended the improvement of the existing centralized announcement system to include departure announcements per boarding gate, similar to airports, to easily notify passengers of bus bay activities such as arrival and departure of buses.

Further, for the commuting public's convenience, the DOTr also reminded MWM Terminals to implement the deployment of free shuttle services to ferry passengers from PITX to Baclaran and back, as agreed by Megawide President Ferrer during a meeting with DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade. The concessionaire's share of bus provision will augment the free shuttle services provided by the Metro Manila Development Authority and the Philippine Coast Guard.

To ensure the safety and security of PITX users, MWM Terminals was also directed to strictly implement and observe security protocols especially during rush hour. In line with this, the concessionaire must carry out an ITS Terminal Security Assessment and submit a Road Transportation Security Plan.

The DOTr emphasizes that even as the department and its attached agencies work on improving the operations of the country’s first 'landport,' concessionaire MWM Terminals must uphold its shared responsibility as a private sector partner to provide the Filipinos the service they deserve.