DOTr orders shipping lines to adopt online ticketing system amid Undas 2025

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has directed shipping lines to implement an online ticketing and booking system in anticipation of high passenger volumes at ports during Undas 2025.

According to Oscar Oida’s Monday report on “24 Oras,” the North Port Passenger Terminal is expected to have 700 to 1,000 passengers at the start of the week.

It is expecting about 3,000 passengers to troop to the terminal on Thursday and Friday.

Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) spokesperson Unice Samonte advised it is better to secure tickets online for easy entry to the terminal.

Upon its inspection at the Batangas Port, DOTr found that some shipping lines do not have an online ticketing and booking system.

DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said it is harder to monitor the number of passengers if bookings are not done online, and that it contributes to overloading, especially on holidays like the Undas.  

Around 2.2 million passengers are expected at the ports from October 27 to November 5, more passengers compared to the 1.9 million travellers during the same period last year.

PPA said it will deploy all of  its personnel for All Saints Day and All Souls Day.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group will deploy their personnel with an emphasis on public security.

Their Malasakit Help Desk is open 24/7 to provide assistance to passengers. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News