DOTr pushes 24/7 ticketing, sleeping area at Manila North Port

MANILA— The Department of Transportation (DOTr) inspected the Manila North Port on Thursday to ensure the safety and convenience of passengers expected to travel by sea during the Undas holiday. 

The port has introduced several new facilities, including a lounge for persons with disabilities (PWDs), baggage and X-ray scanners, and improved comfort rooms and air-conditioning systems. 

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the government aims to make sea travel more comfortable and convenient, particularly for passengers who arrive early at the port. 

“Ang nakita nating problema dito is ‘yung mga maagang dumadating. Kailangan naman bigyan natin ng puwesto katulad ng mga kababayan nating malayo ang pinanggagalingan at dito kailangan matulog,” Dizon said. 

Dizon also called for ticketing services to operate 24 hours a day, even if only one personnel is assigned to the counter during off-peak hours. 

Jay Santiago, vice chairman and general manager of PPA, said the proposal is feasible and can be implemented. 

“Ginawa na natin ‘yan sa ibang pantalan. Ginagawa natin kung walang warm body na nandun sa ticketing counter, meron silang online ticketing system so sabi ko maaari siguro silang mag istasyon ng isang tao na merong computer para makatulong sa darating ng dis oras,” Santiago said. 

Meanwhile, the DOTr is also looking into the increasing number of maritime accidents. 

“First executive committee isa sa pag-uusapan. Kailangan maging istrikto talaga tayo sa seaworthiness ng mga bark, sa overloading ng mga barko,” he said. 

The PPA expects around 1.93 million passengers to travel through ports nationwide from October 27 to November 5 for Undas.