The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) welcomed the proposal of port operators to implement a truck appointment system.
Transport Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, told reporters on the sidelines of the Port Users Confederation Port Summit on November 17, the operators will implement the project in February 2015.
In a separate interview, MMDA assistant general manager for operations Emerson Carlos said the agency may even consider lifting its truck ban once the appointment system is in place.
Christian Gonzalez, vice president and head for Asia of port operator International Container Terminal Services, Inc., earlier recommended that MMDA’s truck ban be replaced with the truck appointment system. He said they are talking to vendors for implementation of the project.
Ian Baking, assistant vice president for business development of port operator Asian Terminals Inc., confirmed they are working with ICTSI on the project.
Meanwhile, MMDA said the 24/7 trade routes will remain even during the Holiday season. Carlos said there will be no addition though to the three trade routes–two going to South Luzon and one to North Luzon–since the existing ones are “sufficient for port decongestion.”
Image courtesy of pakorn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
