MANILA -- The Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) said trips to the Bicol Region, Visayas and Mindanao will be back to normal beginning Wednesday.

"Back to regular trips ang Bicol region tomorrow, passengers who have booked tonight, may check with the bus companies if their trips have resumed,” Kolyn Calbasa, PITX corporate communications officer said.

PITX also reminded the public against vehicles without franchises or colorums offering a ride amid the expected influx of passengers at different bus terminals this All Saints Day and All Souls Day.

According to PITX spokesperson Jason Salvador, on Monday through the help of Land Transportation Office personnel, they were able to apprehend a colorum vehicle outside the PITX. Salvador explained some drivers of private vehicles are taking advantage of the situation this peak season.

“Dahil naging mahirap yung pagbiyahe sa Bicol, sa kagustuhan ng ilan nating mga kababayan natinna makapunta na sa destinasyon na yun eh meron mga nananamantala. Palalala natin sa mga kababayan natin lalo na sa ganitong passenger season, iwasan natin tumangkiling sa mga colorum operations kasi ‘pag ganito wala po kayong seguridad, wala po kayong insurance. Imbes na maging maayos yung ating pagbabakasyon eh mauwi pa sa trahedya at problema,” Salvador said.

Meanwhile, Calbasa also reminded the public that prohibited items like firearms, knife and other bladed weapons will be confiscated.

“Lagi naman tayong nagpapaalala, marami tayong signage regarding that. Sa ating mga pasahero, huwag na tayong magdadala ng mga sharp objects, flammable items at makeshift guns dahil may mga nako-confiscate pa rin tayong ganong items para lang hindi rin sila ma-hussle,” Calbasa explained.

EXPRESSWAYS ALL SET FOR UNDAS EXODUS

Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the operator of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) SCTEX, CALAX and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) said it is all systems go for the expected influx of motorists this All Saints Day.

NLEX traffic operations department head Robin Ignacio told ABS-CBN News that starting Thursday, October 31, it will have free towing services for all class 1 vehicles. All road works will also be temporarily suspended from October 31 to November 4. According to Ignacio, NLEX will deploy 1,500 of its personnel to assist motorists. Motorists are encouraged to plan their trips ahead of time to avoid inconvenience and make sure to have enough RFID load.  

“Mas mainam pa rin na ang ating mga motorista ay tingnan muna nila yung kasalukuyang sitwason ng NLEX at SCTEX bago bumiyahe par ahindi nila masabayan yung talagang masikip na daloy ng traffic. Kung may pagkakataon, i-adjust nila yung kanilang pagbiyahe ay mas mainam para hindi masabayan yung sobrang sikip ng daloy ng traffic,” according to Ignacio.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Infrastructure, which operates the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), STAR Tollway, Skyway System, NAIA Expressway and TPLEX is implementing measures to ensure the safe and efficient travel of motorists.

In a statement, SMC Infrastructure said, it had prepared for the expected surge of traffic volume in the coming days.

“Our toll operations teams have prepared for the expected surge in traffic volume at our expressways starting Thursday, Oct. 31. Emergency services such as fire trucks, ambulances, and tow trucks are already on standby to provide immediate assistance to distressed motorists,” SMC Infrastructure said.

“We appeal to our motorists to make sure their vehicles are in good condition prior to traveling, so they can avoid any mishaps or cause delay for others,” it added.

According to SMC, it will impose a moratorium on roadworks, including maintenance and other related activities that may impede the flow of vehicular traffic, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 5.