PITX almost empty as south-bound commuters wait for rides elsewhere

The Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) was nearly empty on Tuesday as throngs of passengers preferred to endure the long wait at their usual terminals in Metro Manila.

On Saleema Refran's report for "24 Oras," a bus driver admitted that they seldom reach their maximum number of passengers when they stop at the PITX.

"Pag lalabas kami rito, bihira kaming napupuno eh. Kung sana puro lahat PITX dito tapos 'yung pasahero galing EDSA, dito rin ang hatid, okay lang sana," Eduardo Bersamin said.

All provincial PUV buses, UV Express service, and jeepneys originating from provinces southwest of Metro Manila entering via Coastal Road and Manila Cavite Expressway shall end their routes at the PITX located on Coastal Road Parañaque.

For tired, home-bound passengers interviewed on Tuesday night, the new transport hub that was introduced to be a godsend to passengers going in and out of the metro appeared not the answer.

Throngs of commuters occupied several lanes of major roads like EDSA and Roxas Boulevard to wait for buses, jeepneys and UV express going to destinations in the south like Cavite and Parañaque as there were not many rides going to the PITX.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) appealed to both PUV drivers and commuters to comply with the new regulations in line with the PITX.

The agency also said passengers will also enjoy "libreng sakay" to and from the PITX routing from Lawtron, Baclaran and Pasay.

"We're hoping with the new routes that the new routes na ino-open natin eh mase-serve-an natin 'yung demands, commuting demands nitong mga taga-Cavite," Transport Undersecretary Mark de Leon said. —Margaret Claire Layug/LDF, GMA News