[Trending Now] NO MORE HASSLE: DOT Launches Premium Buses to Transport Airport Passengers to Decongestant Airport Roads.

Due to the increasing number of demand of passengers in the country's main airport, Ninoy Aquino Terminal Airport, complains continue to arise with regards to the lack of available transportation in the city. Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) figures show that about 2 million-passenger increase has happened from the previous years and about 36.7 million are being transited through NAIA. 

Their only options of public transportation are buses/jeepneys and taxis. Recently, MIAA also allowed Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) like Grab and Ube to accommodate the said increase. However, there still a lot of inherent problems such as: 

-Existing bus routes are limited to other terminals and nearby bus stops.

-Jeepneys are not directly available at the terminals' drop off and pickup points.

-The number of Taxis and TNVS is still not enough to keep up with the demand, resulting in long lines.

-Premium rates usually apply.

With this, the Department of Transportation in coordination with AIR21 launched the UBE Express last Tuesday, a Premium Airport Bus Service. 

With three routes, Makati, Roxas Boulevard, and Entertainment City (combination of hotels, malls, and bus stops), these buses aims to transport large masses of the arriving passengers. The buses are Mercedes Benz MCV 120s with a sleek and feature state of the art technology which includes a Euro 5 and BlueTec Engine for lower emissions. It is also equipped with GPS system, radio communications, and CCTV Cameras, speed limiters and sensors which would limit the acceleration when doors are open. 

These are also equipped with ramps for PWD passengers in wheelchairs. There are 24-ergonomically designed seats to ensure the passengers' comfortable travel and Free Wi-Fi on board! It also has a large room to accommodate standing room capacity. 

Each bus costs an estimated 10 million including taxes. 

Online booking are also planned to be launched soon. For now, UBE Express costs P300 but offers 50% introductory price and only costs P150. 

"Imbes nalang na magdadala ka ng sasakyan, punta ka nalang sa estasyon, sumakay ka at, yun na! Makakarating ka na sa paroroonan mo in comfort and in style."says Secretary Tugade/ 

Meanwhile, they have acquired 21 brand new units of these buses and 21 more to be delivered in the next months. 

Source: TNP, CNNPhilipines