PPA seeks online ticketing at ports amid holiday passenger surge

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has urged the implementation of a mandatory online ticketing system for shipping lines at the country’s seaports to address the surge of passengers during the holiday season.

PPA General Manager Jay Santiago stated that an estimated 4.5 million travelers are expected to use seaports between December 15, 2024, and  January 5, 2025, due to Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Santiago added that many of these passengers still opt to purchase their tickets offline, resulting in long queues at terminal entry and exit points.

"Batid po ng PPA na hindi madali ang sitwasyon ng mga pasahero na bumabiyahe tuwing peak season kaya nga po niluwagan na natin ang Batangas Port, from 3,000 seating capacity,  8,000 na po ang seating capacity ng Batangas port,” Santiago said in a  news release.

(We recognize the challenges passengers face during peak travel seasons.  That’s why we expanded the Batangas Port seating capacity from 3,000 to  8,000.)

However, Santiago emphasized that increasing port capacity was not enough.

“Tandaan po natin na ang pantalan, hindi po naalis ‘yan, ang mga karagdagang barko po ang kinakailangan para tuloy-tuloy  ang biyahe at alis ng mga tao sa pantalan. Matagal na po natin itong  pinapanawagan sa mga kinauukulan," he said.

(Let’s remember, the ports themselves remain constant. What we urgently need are additional ships to ensure seamless travel and departures for passengers. We’ve long been advocating for this with the relevant authorities.)

The Batangas Port currently handles an average of 25,000 passengers daily, and the PPA has deployed staff to assist travelers around the clock.

“Sa amin naman po sa PPA, 24 oras po ang mga kawani natin dyan. Nagbigay na rin ako ng instruction na bagama’t mahirap ang pila, kailangan  magkaroon ng presence ýung mga taga-PPA po diyan, sabi ko magbigay sila  ng tubig doon sa mga naiinitan at siguraduhing komportable maski sa  pagpila lamang po,” said Santiago.

(Our personnel are on duty  24/7. I’ve instructed them to ensure their presence, even amidst long lines. They must provide water to passengers struggling with the heat and ensure they are as comfortable as possible while waiting.)

Meanwhile, some passengers at various terminals have experienced delays due to a shortage of buses and ships, compounded by ongoing road repairs.

On Sunday, around 26,000 travelers were recorded at the Batangas Port, with an estimated 20,000 passengers expected on Monday, according to reports by GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita. — DVM, GMA Integrated News