The Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) is projecting 1.89 million passengers to pass through its terminal from October 25 to November 4 as Filipinos travel to their home provinces for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Based on its adjusted passenger traffic forecast, PITX expects heavy travel demand over the 11-day period, with passenger volume expected to peak on Friday, October 30, at around 200,000.
The revised projection factors in the possibility that some travelers may reschedule their trips to take advantage of another extended break in November, when special non-working days will be observed in Metro Manila for the Philippines-hosted 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits.
Under one planning scenario, PITX reduced its original Undas passenger forecast by 10 percent, equivalent to approximately 210,100 passengers who may shift their travel schedules to the later holiday period. The resulting estimate of 1.89 million passengers remains subject to actual travel patterns and demand.
Despite the potential shift, the terminal expects passenger traffic to remain heavy on October 29 and 30 as travelers head to their respective provinces ahead of the November 1 and 2 observances.
“Undas is traditionally one of our busiest travel periods, and our preparations go beyond managing the expected number of passengers. We are working closely with our partner government agencies and bus operators to anticipate demand, address possible operational challenges, and ensure that passengers have access to safe and reliable transportation throughout the holiday period,” Jason Salvador, PITX Corporate Affairs and Government Relations Director said.
To manage the anticipated influx, PITX is strengthening coordination with the Department of Transportation, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Office, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Philippine National Police, and other government agencies to support safe and orderly terminal operations.
The terminal is also working with partner bus operators to monitor bookings, identify high-demand provincial destinations, and assess the need for additional bus units and trips. Any additional trips will be coordinated with the LTFRB and remain subject to applicable regulatory requirements.
PITX is likewise reviewing the possible deployment of additional personnel to assist with passenger queues, ticketing, boarding, security screening, and baggage inspection. Coordination with concerned agencies will also cover traffic management around the terminal, public safety, and emergency response readiness, particularly during peak travel days.