The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) urged various malls within Metro Manila to find ways to improve their facilities this Friday.

Headed by LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza and other board members, the department conducted its public consultation with terminal mall operators in its office at Kalayaan Avenue in Quezon City.

Mendoza stated that the meeting was carried out with the intent of turning terminals in malls to bonified transport hubs that can be used by commuters on a daily basis.

He stressed that the department is focused on putting the experience of the commuters first, particularly as they are looking to crack down on the number of mini terminals along the roads.

“We’re starting with the people first kasi yung mga, ang rami nating mga maliliit na terminals, jeepney terminals ay isasarado namin, eh san pupunta yun,” the LTFRB chairperson explained.

“Isipin niyo lang kayo yung pasahero and what can you do to elevate the quality of the experience of our mga mananakay and it starts with the terminal,” he added.

Aside from considering commuter experience, Mendoza also raised a concern regarding malls charging fees for stickers which drivers can use to utilize the terminal.

Based on the agency’s findings, some malls in Quezon City had scalpers selling these stickers for nearly ten times more than their actual price to drivers.

Mendoza noted that there was not necessarily a problem with regards to it being a thing, however, he hoped that operators would look into similar issues and put a stop to it.

All of the changes that the LTFRB are actively implementing and pursuing were also mentioned to be serving the purpose of improving traffic conditions.

“Yun ang aming end goal diyan…we are able to help alleviate the traffic not only in Metro Manila but other cities as well,” said Mendoza.

In TomTom’s most recent traffic index, the Philippines was still ranked as the most congested country in Asia with drivers around Manila recorded as losing 143 hours in traffic.

To circumvent this issue, Mendoza said that the LTFRB will look into implementing better dispatching for buses and jeeps alike to limit drivers being scattered in the roads while waiting for their turn at the terminal.

The head of the LTFRB later stated that they will be having individual consultations with mall operators to discuss issues and the improvements that they can apply to better improve their services.