Manila to Tacloban Buses Resume a Normal Operation Despite the Aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda

The Araneta Center Bus Terminal

The Araneta Center Bus Terminal has been swamped with people since the super typhoon Yolanda has made a groundbreaking history as it smashed and wrecked the Visayas region, especially Tacloban City from the past days. The number of people here has tremendously increased and the demand for additional buses has been affected too.

People waiting for a bus to Tacloban

Triggered by this trending horrific news that Tacloban City was now a new converted ghost town, the people here in Manila who have relatives and families living in this devastated city have come all over here to book a ticket and as soon as possible, would want to take the early bus going to Tacloban, and to some affected areas in Samar and Leyte.

I personally went to this place this morning to check what is really going on. The scenario here was overflowing with mixed emotions. Unlike a typical bus ride to one’s hometown, this place did not even show any face of excitement at all. Everyone was agitated and anxious as they wait for another bus to ride.

Passengers are now ready for a more than 24-hour bus trip

I heard some passengers complaining about a leap on the bus fare. Since there is a greater demand for buses currently, some assumed that there was a fare hike done without any prior notice. So I looked for bus ticketing officers who could further explain this.

They showed me this bus fare list that was posted just in front of their ticketing booth. They assured that nothing has changed since 2008 (which I guess a little questionable, since 2008 is a long time ago). The officer also verbalized that since there are lots of passengers heading to Tacloban compared to the previous days, they tried to cut down the prices of the tickets by rounding it off a few peso cheaper.

An updated list of bus fare to Central Visayas
(Click to enlarge photo)

Since buses are still limited at this point, they can’t assure all passengers to leave as early as they want. Still, they should go through a process of scheduling. It is advised to book or get a ticket as early as you can to secure a seat in the bus.

One of the ticketing booths for Tacloban buses

Though most of the roads to Tacloban are passable now, this is not an assurance that you will reach the region timely. The regular bus ride would take roughly 24 hours but since most of the roads were damaged, now it would take you 30 hours or more to get there.

Since booking an early flight to Tacloban is nearly impossible nowadays, these buses are one of the great options you might want to consider. Though it won’t get you there as fast as an airplane can do, it could still assure you that you’ll get there soon. On these buses too, you are allowed to carry more loads like relief goods, sacks of rice and other important items. All you need to do is drop by at the ticketing booths inside Araneta Center Bus Terminal in Cubao, reserve a ticket and for sure, you’re good to go afterall.