Transportation chief inspects Batangas terminal, port ahead of Undas

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez expressed frustration over the conditions at the Batangas City Grand Terminal, where thousands of passengers are expected to pass through during the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days observance.

“We have standards, especially for the convenience of passengers. There are not enough seats, and they are too hard. Where will the PWDs sit? Let them get on the bus and wait there?” Lopez said during his visit to the terminal Monday morning.

“PWDs and senior citizens who want to stay in the waiting area should always have that option. It’s hot. Let’s fix this,” he added.

Lopez urged the terminal’s management to install more seats and electric fans to improve passenger comfort. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will monitor the management’s compliance with these directives.

The acting transportation chief also inspected the condition of buses, including their tires and onboard fire extinguishers.

Lopez later visited the Batangas Port with Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Santiago, where almost 2.2 million passengers are expected to pass through during the Undas period.

Authorities anticipate heavy passenger traffic beginning Thursday, particularly among travelers bound for the Visayas and MIMAROPA regions.

Santiago and Lopez encouraged passengers to use online booking systems for faster transactions, noting that only a few shipping lines currently offer digital ticketing options.

They also assured the public that there will be no price increases in port fees or ship fares during the holiday period.