Provincial bus passengers pleased with change in QC bus port

A daily average of 6,000 bus passengers going to Bicol, Southern Tagalog, Visayas, and Mindanao enjoy new way of starting their trip through the newly opened Araneta Bus Port in Quezon City. 

“It is organized, comfortable, and provides high sense of security,” are some of the comments of passengers when asked about the new bus port set-up.

Launched in March 2017, the Araneta Bus Port provides upgraded commuting experience through its airport-like services and amenities including automated ticketing system, concierge and passenger lounge, professional porter system, walk-through detectors, CCTV systems, and uniformed service crew.  It hosts air-conditioned buses from 17 bus companies. 

Porter and Baggage Check-In

One of the new features that passengers welcome is the bus port’s professional porter and baggage check-in system. Similar to how baggage check-in is done in airports, this new system provides a central area for passengers to drop-off and check-in their baggage. The baggage is labeled with sticker for identification and Bus Port Crew handle the loading of baggage on the passenger’s designated bus. 

This system is a departure from previous practice where commuters had to deal with un-uniformed porters picking their baggage upon arrival and passengers scrambling to get a space inside the bus belly for their own bags and personal effects.

“We are happy to hear that the riding public has appreciated the innovations we’ve introduced in handling their baggage.  Initially, our commuters were surprised with the system but when they saw how efficient and convenient it is for them, they welcomed the changes,” said Emer Ilagan, President of Quick Logistics, the company responsible for the porter and baggage check-in system at the Araneta Bus Port.  

Quick is a Filipino-owned and premiere supply chain organization offering an integrated, customized, and end-to-end portfolio of logistics and supply chain management solutions, including courier and distribution, warehousing, freight forwarding, porter system, records management, archiving, etc.

Free 10 kg baggage

Each bus port passenger is entitled to maximum of ten (10) kilo baggage. A fee ranging from PHP7.00 to PHP27.00 per kilo, depending on the passenger’s destination will be charged for excess baggage. This transaction is receipted ensuring liability on the part of the bus companies.

Upon arrival at their destination, passengers can claim their baggage upon showing their baggage tickets.

The system has helped improved the overall experience of passengers at the bus port. It has also increased security, since baggage owners are identified and all baggage go through detectors, unlike previous practice where passengers load their baggage inside the buses on their own.

Improved public transportation

The Philippines has been making efforts to improve the Filipino commuter experience amid complaints on worsening traffic, airport congestion, flight delays, and old MRT/ LRT train coaches, among others. 

“Beyond the business of offering logistics services, we would like to contribute to efforts to improve the riding public’s experience. The passengers’ positive reception of the Araneta Bus Port inspires us to continuously create better solutions in our transportation and logistics sector,” said Ilagan. 

The bus port is a project of Araneta Center Inc., which has partnered with Quick Logistics (formerly QRS) for the professional porter and baggage check-in services. 

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