Pasay mayor closes 3 bus, jeep terminals

Pasay City Mayor Wenceslao "Peewee" Trinidad ordered yesterday the city police to close three bus and jeepney terminals illegally operating in different parts of the city.

"Since a year ago, we have continuously pushed our drive against illegal terminals in the city, and today’s operations were just part of the campaign," Trinidad said.

Police Inspector Carlos Turreda Ogalinola, city hall police detachment chief, reported to Trinidad that his unit has already carried out the closure of the bus terminal operated by a certain Elmo at the corner of Park Avenue Extension and EDSA (beside Generosa Building); jeepney and FX terminal along EDSA beside Gold Line Bus Terminal, allegedly owned and operated by a certain P/Insp. Romeo Lachica; and the Transpark Jeepney Terminal at Taft Avenue beside BPI Family Bank (fronting Primero de Mayo Street, allegedly owned by a certain Mr. Lao of Masagana, Pasay City.

Last week, MMDA Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. urged Trinidad to clear the city of illegal transport terminals to ease traffic in the city.

Senior city officials said that Trinidad has already closed many transport terminals and since his Day One in office, the mayor has not approved a single application nor extended permits of existing terminals.

To further his campaign, the mayor also ordered the City Traffic Bureau (CTB) to re-inspect all existing terminals to determine whether they cause traffic jams.

"I have a standing order to CTB and the police to give immediate notice of closure to operators whose terminals are causing traffic problems," the mayor added.

All terminals that have been closed by the city have been fenced with iron railings to prevent owners from using them as terminals again.