DOTr reminds public to allot enough time for travel for year-end holidays

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday reminded the public to allow for enough time when traveling for the upcoming year-end holidays.

"Agahan ang punta sa paliparan, pantalan, at terminal (Go early to airports, seaports, and terminals)," the DOTr said in an advisory posted on Facebook, in connection with the department's Oplan Biyaheng Ayos Pasko 2024.

Malacañang earlier announced the following holidays: December 30 (Monday) - Rizal Day, December 31 (Tuesday) - Last day of the year, and January 1 (Wednesday) - New Year’s Day. This makes it a long holiday weekend for many starting Saturday, December 28.

The DOTr also gave the following tips to travelers to ensure their safety:

1. Check BLOWBAGETS - your vehicle's Battery, Lights, Oil, Water, Brakes, Air, Gas, Engine, and Tires, as well as one's Self before making any trip to make sure all are in good condition.

2. Don't drink and drive.

3. Plan your trip to save on gas and time.

4. Exercise patience during the entire road trip.

5. Be updated with the latest news on the weather and your trip details.

6. For faster trips in Metro Manila, try taking the train.

7. Have food, water, and medicines ready in case one gets stranded.

On Saturday morning, passengers started arriving at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) for their bus trips to and from the provinces, according to Mao dela Cruz of Dobol B TV.

#BantayBiyahe: (As of 6:00 am) Mga pasaherong papasok at palabas ng Metro Manila, unti-unti nang dumadagsa sa Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX). | via Mao dela Cruz pic.twitter.com/VEgfnfrCaS

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) December 27, 2024

Meanwhile, in Cubao, Quezon City, some buses bound for Baguio and Cagayan are already fully booked, according to a report by Christian Maño on Dobol B TV.

#BantayBiyahe: (As of 5:55 am) Mga biyahe ng bus sa ilang terminal sa Cubao, Quezon City na patungong Baguio at Cagayan, fully booked na. | via @xtian_mano pic.twitter.com/XtSpIrD3CT

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) December 27, 2024

Likewise, buses headed for Antique and Capiz were already fully booked on Saturday morning at the BFCT East Metro Transport Terminal, he added.

#BantayBiyahe: (As of 7:00 am) Ilang biyahe ng bus sa BFCT East Metro Transport Terminal sa Marikina City, na patungong Antique at Capiz, fully booked na. | via @xtian_mano pic.twitter.com/VDgRAxdRWV

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) December 27, 2024

—KG, GMA Integrated News