Free airport shuttle bus service

LAOAG CITY, Jan. 12 –- The provincial government has provided free shuttle service for passengers arriving at the Laoag International Airport without an arranged vehicle to take them to the city proper.

The shuttle bus is deployed at the airport to fetch passengers arriving at anytime of the day through the three domestic carriers Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines.

The bus would be stationed at the airport from the time the airlines arrive during their morning flights and in the evening.

Mindful of the inconvenience that passengers go through each time they travel to this city, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos thought of dedicating one Sirib Bus to the airport to service those who do not have an arranged vehicle to fetch them.

The shuttle service is available to passengers whether local or foreigner.

At present, public transportation provided by jeepneys plying the Laoag-Gabu route is the only means to reach and leave the airport. Some passengers who are on short stay in the city and those who could not arrange a private vehicle would hire a tricycle ride to and from the airport.

The province started providing free shuttle ride to the airport during the Holidays when droves of balikbayans and tourists came to Ilocos Norte to spend Christmas.
Milagros Gonzales, provincial chief of the Department of Tourism, said officials are expecting tourist arrivals in the province to double this year due to a favorable tourism climate.

“The presence of more tourist attractions and facilities in Ilocos Norte is also a good indicator of robust tourism activity,” she said.

Gonzales said the DOT continues to provide basic training to residents and tour groups on visitors’ handling to create a culture of hospitality among locals. (ANL/CCA-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)