MANDALUYONG CITY (PIA) — The continuing modernization of the country’s public transport system reached another milestone with the launch of new buses for the point-to-point (P2P) bus service.
These new buses have free onboard WiFi, global positioning system, CCTV, and the tap-and-go payment system, as well as a retractable boarding and alighting ramp—making them accessible to persons with disability.
“PWDs, senior citizens, and pregnant women will begin enjoying the convenience and comfort of this new class of city buses, which improve accessibility with low floors and foldable ramps. We are ridding our streets of dilapidated, poorly-maintained, and unsuitable buses. Eventually, this will push all PUBs to modernize,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya.
These high-quality and high-capacity buses will boast of the following features:
- Low floor height
- Hydraulic kneeling function to allow tilting towards the pavement
- Retractable or foldable boarding and alighting ramp
- Tap-and-go card payment system
- Global positioning system (GPS) devices
- On-board close-circuit television (CCTV) cameras
- Free WiFi
Bus Modernization Program continues with newP2P Services
Under DOTC’s Department Order No. 2015-18, which created the P2P Bus Service last year, buses introduced under this category must also be compliant with Euro IV emissions standards or better, or run on clean alternative fuels. The P2P Bus Service was conceived to cut travel time and provide convenient commutes, through fixed stops and schedules.
The DOTC, LTFRB, and other government agencies recently launched the Airport Bus System at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. This new service, which was created under DOTC Department Order No. 2015-11, intends to provide an alternative means of accessing our airport facilities, and to ease long queues for airport taxi services.
Last week, the LTFRB finally announced its requirement for all PUBs to install GPS devices, in an effort to better monitor and discipline errant bus drivers and operators. (DOTC)