Over 2-M passengers expected at PITX amid Semana Santa

The Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) anticipates a peak in passenger volume reaching over two million people during Holy Wednesday and Maundy Thursday as Filipinos travel to their home provinces or return to Metro Manila for the holidays.

Despite the expected surge, PITX spokesperson Jason Salvador said they began preparations early for the Holy Week exodus, with passenger arrivals potentially starting as early as 9 April which also Araw ng Kagitingan.

Salvador said their forecast indicates a passenger volume of at least two million, potentially reaching 2.3 million from 9 April until the end of the Holy Week.

PITX officials said the peak travel days are expected to be Holy Wednesday and Maundy Thursday and attributed it to the fact that many individuals have limited ability to take leave or are daily wage earners, leading them to work until the last possible day before traveling en masse on Wednesday and Thursday.

As part of their preparations, Salvador said PITX has met with bus operators to ensure an adequate number of buses will be available to accommodate the millions of expected passengers.

Coordination has also been established with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for the issuance of special permits as needed, as well as with other agencies including the Department of Transportation, Land Transportation Office, and the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation.

Salvador also stressed the critical importance of road safety, given the large number of people expected to travel next week.

“We need to think about the safety of the passengers. Public utility vehicles must be road-worthy, meaning they must be in proper condition when they ply their routes — the tires, the horn, and all other parts of the bus must be checked first,” Salvador said.

PITX is also monitoring drivers’ fitness by conducting random drug and breathalyzer tests.

Malacañang has declared 9 April, 17 April (Maundy Thursday) and 18 April (Good Friday) as regular holidays, while 19 April (Black Saturday) is a special non-working day.