Bus drivers, operators appeal for more Manila bus stops, lower terminal fees

Bus drivers and operators on Monday appealed to Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada to build more bus stops in the midst of the strict implementation of a partial bus ban in Manila. Manila, on July 23, enacted the bus ban in order to ease traffic within the city. Representatives from bus companies that have routes that take them into Manila dialogued with the former president on Monday after the ban on unregistered or colorum buses, and buses without a terminal in Manila resulted in more difficult commutes. According to a report on GMA 7's "24 Oras", the transport sector asked for bus stops to be built along Pedro Gil, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Manila City Hall, Raon street in Quiapo, Morayta street, and España Boulevard to Trabajo market in Sampaloc as these were ther areas where a passengers can be found. Currently, the allowed bus stops are installed along Quirino Avenue, Luneta Park, and in the Park & Ride terminal in Liwasang Bonifacio. "'Yung designated na binigay sa amin, wala 'dun ang mga pasahero. Naawa din kami sa kanila, kasi humahabol sila. May muntik pang malaglag na kumalambitin sa pintuan," said an unidentified bus operator. Meanwhile, Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno Moreno said they would soon start building sheds in particular bus stops. “Kasi, there will be a differentiation of bus stops and jeepney stops," Moreno explained. Also during the dialogue, the bus companies that ply the Las Piñas-Alabang-Lawton and Cainta-Quiapo routes sought, and got, lower terminal and security deposit fees. "Ang pinapanigan ko lang dito ang kaayusan at kapakanan ng sambayanang Manileño," emphasized  Estrada during the day's discussions. — Marc Jayson Caybyab/DVM, GMA News