The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) called on Metro Manila mall operators Friday to upgrade their terminal facilities and help alleviate the city’s persistent traffic congestion.

During a public consultation at the agency’s headquarters in Quezon City, LTFRB chairperson Vigor D. Mendoza II said the goal is to transform existing mall terminals into “bonafide transport hubs.” The initiative is part of a broader plan to shut down small, informal jeepney terminals that clutter city streets.

“We’re starting with the people first because we will be closing many small terminals. The question is, where will they go?” Mendoza said. “Just imagine you are the passenger. What can you do to elevate the quality of the experience? It starts with the terminal.”

Mendoza also raised concerns regarding terminal access fees. The agency found that at some malls in Quezon City, scalpers were selling terminal stickers to drivers for nearly 10 times their actual price.

While Mendoza said the stickers themselves are not the issue, he urged operators to stop the predatory pricing.

The push for better terminal management comes as the Philippines remains one of the most congested countries in Asia. According to the TomTom Traffic Index, drivers in Manila lose approximately 143 hours a year to traffic.

To address this, Mendoza said the LTFRB is looking into improved dispatching systems for buses and jeepneys. The goal is to prevent vehicles from idling on the roads while waiting for their turn at a terminal, which contributes significantly to gridlock.

The LTFRB plans to hold individual consultations with mall operators to discuss specific service improvements and address localized terminal issues.