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| Photo from UBE Express |
Commuting to Ninoy Aquino International Airport can be frustratingly inconvenient. You have to think about the traffic along the way and the ridiculous fare when you book a Grab or take a taxi.
Good thing the Department of Transportation launched a solution to all this: UBE Express
What is UBE Express?
UBE Express is a premium airport bus service which caters to passengers across all NAIA terminals.
Each bus is fully air-conditioned and equipped with GPS technology, WiFi, and CCTV.
UBE Express was initially launched in February 2016, then relaunched in September of the same year through the partnership of the Department of Transportation and Air 21.
Aside from the new Robinsons Galleria Ortigas pick-up and drop-off point, the P2P bus service operates five other routes:
(1) the Araneta Center Cubao Route, which takes Cubao residents directly to NAIA;
(2) the Grand Prix Route, which has stops at Grand Prix Hotel and Kabayan Hotel in Pasay City;
(3) the Makati Route, which starts at Ayala Center in Makati City;
(4) the Entertainment Route, which starts at Go Hotel in Ermita and goes around the reclamation area in Pasay City and Parañaque City;
(5) Robinsons Route, which has a long list of pick-up and drop-off points starting from Intramuros in Manila all the way to the Jam Liner terminal in Pasay City
The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION and its attached agency, LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING and REGULATORY BOARD have initiated the Airport Bus Service project with the goal of augmenting the current public transport services in our three (3) airport terminals in Metro Manila. This is the direct response to the public clamor for more efficient hassle free and commuter-friendly transport services option for those going to and from the three (3) airport terminals especially now with increasing number of passengers being experience every year.
The DOTC through Department Order 2015-011 and LTFRB through Memorandum Circulars 2015-22 and 2015-23 have detailed the terms and conditions for the Airport Bus Service franchise to be awarded through an open public bidding. The bidding invitation was announced through publication last July 2, 2015. The Airport Bus Service provides for among others several provisions that are considered a total paradigm shift from the way public transport is currently being done.
Photos from UBE EXPRESS
Routes
☑️ ORTIGAS ROUTE
Robinsons Galleria
☑️ ARANETA CENTER ROUTE
Araneta Center Cubao
☑️ ENTERTAINMENT CITY ROUTE
Go Hotel (NAIA RD)
Solaire
Hotel 101
SMX Convention Center
Mall of Asia
☑️ ROBINSONS ROUTE
Copacabana Apt. Hotel
Midas Hotel
Atrium/ Jam Liner
Networld Hotel
Hotel Jen
Century Park
Diamond Hotel
New World Hotel
Luneta Hotel
Bayview Hotel
Manila Pavilion
Manila Hotel
Intramuros
Robinson’s Manila
Pan Pacific Hotel
Manila Manor Hotel
Go Hotel (Ermita)
☑️ MAKATI ROUTE
Parksquare , Ayala Center Makati
☑️ GRAND PRIX ROUTE
Kabayan
Grand Prix Hotel/ Victory Liner (PASAY)
The latest routes are Araneta Center—Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) route, which starts its run on September 4. Fare is at P100 per head. The first trip leaves NAIA at 5:30 a.m. while the opposite route leaves Araneta Center at 7 a.m. You can find the bus stop at the Araneta Center Bus Terminal, which also caters to bus lines travelling to and from Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, and the Bicol Region;
AND the new P2P bus route from Robinsons Galleria to NAIA starting on September 18. The fare is at P70 for a single-journey trip.
Key Features
What are the features of Premium Airport Bus Service
• Twenty four (24) seating capacity with provision for PWD seating
• Low floor entry
• Euro IV engine
• Equipped with adequate luggage racks/compartments
• Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
• Global Positioning System (GPS)
• On board WIFI facility
• Will be manned by salaried and properly trained crew
Background of Premium Airport Bus
The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION and its attached agency, LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING and REGULATORY BOARD has initiated the Airport Bus Service project with the goal of augmenting the current public transport services in our three (3) airport terminals in Metro Manila. This is the direct response to the public clamor for more efficient hassle free and commuter-friendly transport services option for those going to and from the three (3) airport terminals specially now with increasing number of passengers being experience every year.
The DOTC through Department Order 2015-011 and LTFRB through Memorandum Circulars 2015-22 and 2015-23 have detailed the terms and conditions for the Airport Bus Service franchise to be awarded through an open public bidding. The bidding invitation was announced through publication last July 2, 2015. The Airport Bus Service provides for among others several provisions that are considered a total paradigm shift from the way public transport is currently being done.
Is this service better than taking a taxi?
There are several reasons why our passengers love the airport shuttle service compared to taking a taxi:
• Your online booking ensures your reservation and your airport shuttle service is always ready for your arrival or pick up.
• You may need to wait up to an hour for a vacant taxi in the airport or city centre during busy hours.
• A taxi can hold a maximum of 3 passengers and 2 large suitcases (don’t forget additional fees are required for baggage)
• Airport service has no baggage limit or any fees. Also, your group doesn’t have to be separated as a shuttle can accommodate up to 24 people.
• You may encounter scams, rude service, and communication problems quite frequently with taxi drivers
• Finally, we promise you a convenient and hassle-free airport transfer experience or you get your money back guarantee.
(info from UBE express website)
Where to find UBE Express in NAIA
All photos belong to UBE EXPRESS
Parting Words
Commuting to NAIA is now made easier, thanks to this point to point bus – UBE Express!
