Bus terminals packed as exodus resumes amid the New Year

Some stranded passengers in Marikina CIty fell victim to a bus ticket selling scam amid the ongoing exodus to the provinces in time for the New Year.

In Tina Panganiban Perez’ Thursday report on 24 Oras, two passengers said they spent Christmas at the BFCT East Metro Transport Terminal where they were stranded for five days due to a lack of buses.

Passenger Albert Udtohan was supposed to surprise his family on December 24 but his trip was canceled. He said he hopes to be with his family today.

Meanwhile, Joaquin Martinez was supposed to travel to Roxas City on December 23 but it was moved to the 26th.

He said they were told that their schedule was moved because no more ships were going to Batangas and that they would be prioritized.

Martinez also shared that some of his companions went to Batangas Port for a chance to secure a trip but were also stranded.

He said he is unsure if his trip will push through today.

“Kinulang sa bus. Tingin ko may mga lapses din sa overbooking. Isa sa mga sigurong dahilan dito is yung special permit nila para sa mga added buses kaya kinulang din sila ng mga bus,” said Jeck Sumanting, BFCT Terminal manager.

(There is a shortage of buses. I think there were some lapses in overbooking. One of the possible reasons for this is the lack of special permits for additional buses.)

To prevent the issue from happening again in the New Year, the BFCT Terminal is holding a meeting with bus companies.

Some passengers said theyt were also scammed.

“Sa sobrang pagmamadali nilang makakuha ng ticket, kahit sa labas na sila ng terminal nakabili. Pagdating nila rito, wala talagang maga-accommodate na bus company kung hindi talaga legit yung ticket nila,” Sumanting said.

(In their hurry to get a ticket they bought from sellers outside the terminal. When they arrived, no bus company would accommodate them if their tickets are not legitimate.)

Sumanting advised the public to only buy tickets at the terminal and not from booths that have no legitimate business transactions.

Meanwhile, security was tight at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), especially since there is an increase in the volume of passengers returning to their homes in time for the New Year.

At 2 p.m., PITX said foot traffic was over 100,000 in the terminal.

An influx of passengers was also observed in bus terminals in Cubao, Quezon City.

Among the chance passengers was Veronica Corpuz, who is headed to Carlos, Pangasinan along with her sibling and their pet dog, where they plan to celebrate the New Year with their family.

The situation was similar at the bus terminals in Sampaloc, Manila.
—Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News