ASEAN Holiday Homecoming Rush — 100,000 People at PITX, Special Permits Issued for 372 Buses

ASEAN Holiday Homecoming Rush — 100,000 People at PITX, Special Permits Issued for 372 Buses

📌 Ahead of the special holiday for the ASEAN Summit on November 16–18, about 100,000 people flocked to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) in Metro Manila on Friday the 13th, making it hard to get bus tickets. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issued special operating permits to 372 buses, and Baguio City has gone on emergency response, expecting a surge of tourists from the 13th to the 18th.

■ What's Changing
· PITX: About 100,000 people showed up and the number is expected to grow — many bookings are for Baguio, La Union, and Batangas, and some passengers had their departures delayed because of the long lines (GMA)
· 372 buses with LTFRB special permits: 245 to Northern Luzon, 111 to Central Luzon, and the rest to Bicol, Southern Luzon, and Western Visayas (PNA)
· The LTFRB said it will step up surprise inspections of bus conditions and drivers and conductors at major terminals, and has already penalized several operators for not honoring fare discounts
· Baguio: Many buses from Metro Manila are sold out from the 13th to the 18th. Mayor Magalong urged the city to prepare "as if for a short Holy Week," partially activated the disaster response council, and deployed police to tourist spots (Manila Bulletin)

■ Tips for Residents and Travelers
· Buy bus tickets in advance and allow plenty of time to get to the terminal
· Traffic congestion is expected at popular tourist spots such as Baguio, so check your accommodation and transportation in advance
· During the holidays, police and disaster response personnel will be deployed in downtown Baguio, so follow the guidance for congested areas

■ Sources
GMA (11/13), PNA (11/13), Inquirer (11/13), Manila Bulletin (11/13)

■ Photos
· 1. Passengers coming and going at the PITX terminal — GMA News
· 2. File photo · Officials inspecting a bus terminal — Inquirer
· 3. File photo · Swan pedal boats on the lake at Baguio's park — Manila Bulletin