By RALPH JOHN MIJARES
ROXAS City — Amid public clamor for a better terminal here, the Roxas City Integrated Transport Terminal was opened yesterday.
The facility at Pueblo de Panay in Brgy. Lawaan primarily aims to decongest vehicular traffic around the city.
It is an economic enterprise of the city government, according to Victor Arcenas, the terminal’s administrator.
Last year, a temporary terminal was placed in the area to simulate the flow of vehicles and commuters once the actual terminal is completed.
Commuters complained, however, that the vicinity of the temporary terminal turns dusty when it’s sunny and muddy when it’s rainy; hence, yesterday’s “soft opening” of the actual terminal.
The terminal houses food stalls, a Lotto station and comfort rooms.
However, Arcenas said it still needs a paint job, closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, a public address system and a Wi-Fi connection.
He said the CCTV cameras and the public address system could be put up within a week or two.
Colorum vehicles (except for tricycles used by the driver’s immediate family), vendors not renting a stall and drivers who overcharge are banned from the terminal, Arcenas said.
Police auxiliaries and signs were placed at the terminal to guide drivers and commuters toward entrance and exit points and loading and unloading areas.
Mayor Angel Alan Celino, Arcenas and city policemen monitored the flow of vehicular traffic and people at the terminal during yesterday’s opening.
City officials were yet to announce the schedule of the terminal’s official opening./PN
