The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is seeking the improvement of facilities of public utility vehicle (PUV) terminals located within the premises of the malls to encourage more people to use public transportation.

LTFRB chairman Vigor D. Mendoza II said improved PUV terminal facilities in malls may even result in park-and-ride scheme wherein motorists would park their cars in malls and take buses and the train system in Metro Manila.

But Mendoza said this will never be achieved since a number of mall terminals do not even have a decent waiting area for passengers. 

“We want to improve the commuter experience so that they will be discouraged from using their cars and ride the public transportation instead,” said Mendoza.

On Friday, Feb. 20, Mendoza met with mall terminal operators and discussed the concerns raised by the passengers, as well as the plan for public transportation-centered reforms that will encourage even car owners to leave their cars at home in favor of trains, buses and even jeepneys.

The LTFRB is currently conducting aggressive inspections of bus and PUV terminals across the country, with at least 116 terminal operators issued with show cause orders and notice of violation so far. Recently, two operators of PUV terminals within the premises of the malls were summoned for insufficient facilities for the passengers, particularly senior citizens and PWDs.

Mendoza said malls are now becoming integral part of the public transportation since some train stations and bus and PUV terminals are located within their premises.

“We need to improve the facilities because we can never encourage people to commute if terminals would make them uncomfortable. In the case of malls, motorists can leave their cars in mall parking areas and commute instead,” said Mendoza.

“Public transport is not only the moving facility but also the fixed facilities. The terminal facility in malls is no longer a minor infrastructure, it is becoming essential so we are talking with them to improve this facility to enhance commuting experience,” he added.

Several operators of terminals in malls attended the meeting, shared their inputs and committed to comply with the requirements under the existing rules and regulations of the LTFRB.

Chairperson Mendoza, on the other hand, expressed optimism that all the matters and recommendations discussed will eventually translate into reality in the continuing efforts of the government to ensure the welfare of commuters.