MANILA, Philippines – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) encouraged the commuters to take the Christmas Express bus service to help lessen Metro Manila traffic.
The Christmas premium point-to-point buses are situated in selected malls and will carry passengers from three point-to-point destinations in Metro Manila in time for anticipated holiday traffic.
“Some 20 high quality buses will be used for this program which is meant to provide commuters with a more reliable and comfortable commuting experience,” LTFRB said.
LTFRB Chair Winston Ginez said the program is also meant to alleviate the holiday traffic congestion by encouraging private car users to take public transport.
The bus service kicked off Saturday morning with the following routes: from Trinoma to Park Square, Ayala Center; SM North Edsa to Glorietta 5, Ayala Center and SM Megamall to Park Square, Ayala Center only.
The fare for passengers taking the non-stop bus service for routes A1 and A2 is P80 while the passengers taking route A3 will pay P50.
Here are the routes, schedules and fares of the Non-Stop Christmas Bus Services:
Route A1: Trinoma (North EDSA) to Park Square Terminal, Ayala Center (P80)
Weekdays
- First bus departing at 6:15 a.m. and every 30 minutes up to 9:45 a.m.
- From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., buses will depart every hour
- From 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., buses will depart every 30 minutes
- From 7:00 p.m. onwards, buses will depart every hour
- Last bus will depart at 9:00 p.m.
Weekends and Holidays
- First bus departs at 9:15 a.m. and then follows the same schedule as on Weekdays
Route A1: Park Square Terminal, Ayala Center to Trinoma (North EDSA) (P80)
Weekdays
- First bus departs at 8:00 a.m. and every 30 minutes thereafter up to 10:30 a.m.
- Then next bus departs at 11:30 a.m. and after every hour until 2:30 p.m.
- From 3:00 p.m., buses depart every 30 minutes up to 7:00 p.m.
- Next buses are at 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. (last trip)
Weekends and Holidays
- First bus departs at 11:00 a.m. and then follows the same schedule as on Weekdays
Route A2: SM North EDSA to Glorietta 5, Ayala Center (P80)
Weekdays
- Buses will depart every 30 minutes beginning 6:00 a.m., with the last trip at 10:00 p.m.
Weekends and Holidays
- Buses will depart every 30 minutes beginning 9:00 a.m., with the last trip at 10:00 p.m.
Route A2: Glorietta 5, Ayala Center to SM North EDSA (P80)
Weekdays
- Buses will depart every 30 minutes beginning 6:00 a.m., with the last trip at 10:00 p.m.
Weekends/Holidays
Buses will depart every 30 minutes beginning 9:00 a.m., with the last trip at 10:00 p.m.
Route A3: SM Megamall to Park Square Terminal, Ayala Center (P50)
Weekdays
- First bus departs at 6:00 a.m. and every 30 minutes up to 9:30 a.m.
- From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., buses will be dispatched every hour
- From 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., buses will be dispatched every 30 minutes
- From 8:00 p.m. onwards, the buses will be dispatched every hour.
- Last bus will be at 9:00 p.m.
Weekends/Holidays
First bus departs at 9:00 a.m. and then follows the same schedule as on Weekdays
Route A3: Park Square Terminal, Ayala Center to SM Megamall (P50)
Weekdays
- First bus departs at 7:30 a.m. and every 30 minutes thereafter up to 10:30 a.m.
- Next bus departs at 11:30 a.m. and after every hour until 2:30 p.m.
- From 3:00 p.m., buses are dispatched every 30 minutes up to 7:00 p.m.
- Next buses are at 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. (last bus)
Weekends/Holidays
- First bus departs 10:30 a.m. and then follows the same schedule as on weekdays