Fewer passengers at Araneta bus terminal on Christmas eve

Fewer commuters flocked to the Araneta Center Bus Terminal on Monday morning, the day before Christmas and after the weekend exodus to the provinces.

According to Cecille Villarosa's report on "Balitanghali", only around 200 to 300 passengers were monitored at the Cubao terminal on Monday morning.

This figure was way lower compared to the estimated 8,000 daily passenger turnout at Araneta Center Bus Station and Araneta Bus Port from Friday to Sunday.

Due to the decrease in numbers, passengers are assured of slots in bus schedules.

"Medyo matumal-tumal na ngayon, kahapon maraming pasahero po talaga," bus driver Diosdado Señar said.

Some passengers said they preferred to travel to their provinces on Monday to avoid the weekend rush.

"Ngayon lang ako nakakuha ng ticket e. Nagpa-reserve lang ako nung Sabado," Rollie Baldosa said.

"Nung (December) 22 kasi di ako nakakuha ng ticket tapos pina-book na lang ako ng amo ko online. Kasi sabi nila fully-booked daw po," Lilybeth Aquino, for her part, said.

Police remain on standby at the Araneta Center Bus Station.

Authorities expect most passengers to return to Metro Manila by December 27.

Some passengers said they chose to delay their trip to the provinces to avoid congested bus terminals even if meant spending Christmas Eve on the road.

Others were left with no choice because all the tickets were already sold out last weekend.

"Eh kasi nung 22 kasi hindi ako nakakuha ng ticket tapos pina-book na lang ako ng amo ko online. Kasi sabi nila fully booked daw po," passenger Lilybeth Aquino said.

Police officers continue to monitor the security in the bus terminal.

More passengers, returning from their holiday trips, are expected to arrive at Araneta Center Bus Terminal on December 27. —Dona Magsino and Joseph Tristan Roxas/NB, GMA News