NAIA launches new hub in Terminal 3 dedicated to ride-hailing services and taxis
Attention, travelers: There's a new space dedicated to ride-hailing services and metered taxis at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.
In an announcement by the airport's private operator New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the centralized hub was made functional on Dec. 8, just in time for the holiday rush. The terminal is considered as NAIA’s busiest one.
NNIC detailed that the 6,000-square meter area is designed to "reduce curbside congestion, improve traffic flow, and enhance the passenger experience." It features 401 parking slots, 18 loading bays, and dedicated lanes for TNVs, along with multiple entry and exit points to ensure seamless traffic management.
"With a centralized hub and diverse transportation options, we are bringing more order and efficiency to the airport. This is part of our commitment to making travel smoother and stress-free for every passenger," NNIC General Manager Lito Alvarez said.
The hub allows ride services from Grab Philippines and JoyRide, the former being the first operator to transition to the facility. Angkas is also set to provide services in the hub soon through its four-wheeled ride service Angcars.
"All three operators have committed to deploying dedicated airport pickup drivers to ensure faster and more efficient service during the busy holiday season," NNIC stated.
As for the rates, the operator assured that the prices "will remain comparable to coupon taxis, maintaining affordability while offering the added convenience of app-based services."
Passengers who do not have ride-hailing apps installed on their devices will still be able to make on-the-spot bookings for Grab, JoyRide, and Angcars at dedicated lounges located adjacent to the car park. Grab’s lounge, for example, provides a "streamlined process for immediate bookings."
The centralized hub is just one of the changes NNIC brought to enhance the passenger experience at NAIA.
The company recently partnered with both PLDT/Smart and Converge to put up free WiFi within its terminals that is touted to be "faster and more reliable."
Passengers can now enjoy a "significantly increased" internet speed of 50-60 Mbps, with peak speeds reaching 115 Mbps. According to the company, an average of 1,000 users per hour connect to the "NewNAIA" WiFi network across all terminals.
Access to the free internet has also expanded to three hours, eliminating the previous two-hour limit and the need to provide personal information.
The company took over the airport’s operations on Sept. 14 after winning the bidding in February. Their contract is 15 years and can be extended to 10 more years.
