Passengers troop to bus terminals, seaports ahead of long Undas weekend

Many travelers heading to provinces were observed in several bus terminals and seaports Thursday ahead of the long weekend during the observance of Undas.

In Quezon City, around 1,000 passengers have been recorded at the Baliwag bus terminal from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m., according to a report of GMA Integrated News’ Mariz Umali.

Up to 10,000 passengers are expected at the terminal on Thursday. 

The interval in the departure of the provincial buses is around 30 to 45 minutes. 

According to the television news report, one of the passengers lost his wallet after falling asleep inside a bus.

The operation of Baliwag Transport Inc. Terminal in Quezon City starts from 3 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

On All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Saturday and Sunday, normal operation will be implemented but it could be extended depending on the volume of passengers. 

Walk-in passengers are allowed in the bus terminal.

Meanwhile, at the Batangas Port, a total of 68,000 passengers have been recorded so far since October 23, according to a report by Tina-Panganiban Perez on GTV’s Balitanghali.

The volume of passengers at the seaport is expected to peak on Thursday or Friday.

During the Undas last year, a total of 78,000 passengers were recorded at the terminal starting from October 26, 2024.

Batangas Port manager Aurora Mendoza said no untoward incident has been reported so far.

Strict security measures have been imposed as personnel continue to conduct regular patrolling around the seaport. 

October 31 (eve of All Saints’ Day) and November 1 (All Saints’ Day) have been declared as special non-working days.

In an interview with Unang Balita, Transportation Assistant Secretary for Communications Maricar Bautista said more personnel from her department have been deployed for Undas.

She said Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez ordered some improvements after his inspections of eight bus terminals in Cubao concerning flat tires, lack of privacy at breastfeeding areas, lack of seats at waiting areas, as well as poor ventilation.

Bautista said that on Wednesday, three bus drivers tested positive for illegal drug use. Their driver’s licenses were confiscated. Once they test positive again in the confirmatory drug tests, their licenses will be revoked, she added. --Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News