Manila: The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has expanded the use of the Online Reservation Assistance System (ORAS) across multiple ports nationwide, aligning the initiative with the anticipated surge of travelers during the Holy Week.

According to Philippines News Agency, PPA Spokesperson Eunice Samonte conveyed that ORAS is a standardized online reservation platform enabling passengers to reserve tickets without the need to arrive early, stand in line, and purchase from a ticket window. Samonte emphasized that ORAS provides certainty by allowing passengers to book at their convenience, thus saving time.

Passengers can access ORAS by scanning the QR Code available on PPA's social media pages, choosing their desired trip from available schedules, and confirming their reservations. Upon arrival at the port, passengers are required to present their ORAS pass or QR code, akin to an airport boarding pass, facilitating a quicker and more organized travel experience.

The PPA further announced that ORAS is now operational on several routes originating from the ports of Balanacan, Batangas, Calapan, and Lucena. Specifically, it enables bookings for ferry tickets on routes including Balanacan Port to Lucena Port, Batangas Port to various destinations such as Port of Abra de Ilog, Calapan, and more.

For walk-in passengers, senior citizens, or persons with disabilities, help desks are established at these ports for assistance with ORAS registration. Passengers are advised to arrive early at their designated departure ports, as the ORAS pass expires three hours before departure.

The system is not applicable at ports where passengers already possess their tickets or for those boarding ferries with vehicles. The PPA expressed confidence that the ORAS expansion will enhance passenger experiences, making travel swifter, more organized, and comfortable across Philippine ports.