Clark Freeport’s “BRT” is back in service
Heads-up commuters in Clark, Pampanga. What was previously known as the Clark Loop Bus, something like a bus rapid transit system around the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, is back in service.
Those who frequent and work inside the boundaries of the freeport will know that public transportation isn’t exactly its strong suit. Making it worse is the increasing congestion during afternoon rush hours. Thankfully, action is already being taken early on.
The Clark Loop Bus was the freeport’s former public BRT system, taking commuters from just outside the freeport in Angeles City, all the way to New Clark City in Tarlac. It was initially suspended at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, resuming a few months later in August, then suspended once again in November 2021.
Now known as the IKOT CLARK Bus Service and operated by Victory Liner, Inc., this bus route takes commuters from outside the freeport to different areas within the area through two bus routes, ending at the Clark International Airport, also benefiting passengers and employees of the region’s main aviation hub.
The first bus route, Route Bus No. 2, operates from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM with the following stops along the way:
- SM City Clark
- Mercedes-Benz Center
- Friendship Gate
- Philexcel Business Park
- Berthaphil 3
- CDC Corporate Offices
- One Stop Action Center (OSAC)
- ASEAN Villas/Clark Zoo
- Fontana
- Midori Clark Hotel and Casino
- Hann Resort and Casino
- Xenia Hotel/UP Clark/Philippine Science High School (PISAY) Clark
- Texas Instruments Philippines
- Clark Picnic Grounds
- Clark International Airport (New Terminal)
The second bus route, Route Bus No. 3, is akin to an express service, operating from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with the following stops:
- SM City Clark
- Mercedes-Benz Center
- Friendship Gate
- Texas Instruments Philippines
- Clark Picnic Grounds
- Clark International Airport (New Terminal)
Interestingly, the two bus routes do not operate during the morning rush hour. Also, there is no Route Bus No. 1. The possibility is that this will be operated by a different bus operator.
Nevertheless, this development will still be of huge help to those who do not have their own means of personal transportation, and will also definitely help somewhat reduce congestion along the freeport’s main thoroughfares.
