Last-minute travelers crowd bus terminals - report

MANILA, Philippines - Bus terminals in Metro Manila were crowded early Thursday as last-minute travelers joined the Holy Week exodus to the provinces. Radio dzRH reported that in northern Metro Manila, passengers crowded the Victory Liner terminal at Monumento in Caloocan City. The dispatcher said 163 buses had left for Zambales, Olongapo and Baguio since Wednesday night. Security remained tight at the terminals, with guards using metal detectors to inspect passengers and seeking to prevent overloading. In Quezon City, traffic was tight at Cubao as passengers rushed to bus terminals to catch a trip to the provinces. Making matters worse was road repaid along the southbound part of Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA). The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) deployed personnel to watch bus terminals. On the other hand, traffic was heavy in Urdaneta City in Pangasinan since 3 p.m. Wednesday as travelers went there to spend the Holy Week. A separate report from Southern Luzon and Bicol said traffic was also tight in roads in Quezon, Cavite, Batangas and Camarines Norte provinces. - GMANews.TV