PITX recorded more than 3.25 million passengers from Dec. 19, 2025 to Jan. 5, 2026, already surpassing its three-million target for the period. Final counts are still ongoing.
The figure also exceeded last year’s holiday volume of 3,053,408 passengers, reflecting heavier travel activity during the longer year-end break.
By the numbers:
3,250,140+ passengers recorded so far
~6.5% increase from the same holiday period last year
18 days of sustained peak travel across Christmas and New Year
What’s driving the surge
PITX attributed the higher-than-expected volume to the extended holiday season and early filing of leaves, which prompted commuters to depart earlier, stay longer in the provinces, and travel across more spread-out dates before and after major holidays.
What they’re saying
“For many commuters, the holidays are about getting home safely and on time,” said Jason Salvador, director for corporate affairs and government relations of PITX.
“Surpassing the three-million mark reflects the scale of holiday travel demand and underscores the importance of having strong systems and partnerships in place to manage peak periods,” he added.
Salvador emphasized that behind every passenger count is a personal journey. “Every passenger represents a real person—a worker, a student, a parent—trying to get where they need to go.”
How they handled it
During the holiday rush, PITX coordinated closely with transport operators, frontline staff, and government partners to maintain orderly operations, safety standards, accessibility, and commuter assistance.
What’s next
Looking ahead to 2026, PITX is preparing for higher daily demand, with plans for additional routes, upgraded facilities, and operational enhancements aimed at improving transfer efficiency and commuter convenience.
“As we move into 2026, PITX remains committed to innovation and collaboration to continuously improve the commuting experience,” Salvador said.
The bottom line
As a key gateway linking Metro Manila and provincial destinations, PITX’s holiday performance highlights both growing mobility demand and the role of modern transport hubs in easing peak travel stress. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
