Pasay city: The commuting public will soon have an alternative mode of travel to and from the city or province they plan to visit, especially during holidays like Undas, and school and Christmas breaks. Two private companies, Park-Solutions, Inc. (PSI) and Del Monte Land Transport Bus Co., Inc. (DLTB), have partnered through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to provide an efficient, reliable, and organized travel experience for the public.

According to Philippines News Agency, under the partnership, mall-to-mall travel from the National Capital Region (NCR) to some parts of Luzon will be made available. “This is a game-changer with regard to the riding public. It’s a mall-to-mall operation between SM Malls in Metro Manila and SM Malls at the outskirts of Metro Manila,” said Don Morales, DLTB Co. executive vice president, during the recent signing of the MOA in Pasay City.

The PSI operates public transport terminals in all SM malls nationwide. Morales mentioned that they are currently operating at SM North EDSA, providing services to Batangas. In the coming days, operations will commence at SM Fairview, offering routes to SM Lucena.

He also revealed plans to expand operations in the first quarter of next year, with routes from Metro Manila to Southern Luzon and Northern Luzon and vice versa. “And furthermore, going to the north, SM North EDSA going to SM Clark, and SM Fairview going to the south, going to SM Naga and SM Legaspi,” the DLTB Co. official added.

The partnership also includes plans to acquire about 100 new buses, some of which will feature comfort rooms for long trips. Morales noted, “This is very convenient for the passengers. Instead of going to bus terminals, they would rather go to SM malls and, in return, increase the foot traffic of mall goers.” He emphasized the novelty of this service in the transport industry and the commitment to providing the best and efficient service to the riding public.

According to Ferdinand Oroza, PSI chief executive officer/president, aside from providing the facility, they will also operate the automated purse system. “We will handle the automated purse system where they can book a mall-to-mall ride. It will be very convenient to the public since they will only have one stop – they can go to the mall, and wait for their ride,” he explained. He cited an example: “For example, if they are at SM MOA and decide to go to Baguio. They can utilize the mall, go malling while waiting for their scheduled trip.”

During peak seasons, such as Undas, or the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, summer vacation, and the Christmas and New Year holidays, bus terminals, airports, and seaports in the National Capital Region are packed with people going home to their provinces to celebrate the occasions.