LTFRB grants 885 special bus permits for ‘Undas’

MANILA, Philippines – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday said it has granted 885 special permits to public utility buses (PUBs) to address the expected passenger volume surge during the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day or “Undas” break.

The LTFRB said it will ensure the roadworthiness of public utility vehicles (PUVs) as well as the readiness of drivers to safely operate the buses and transport passengers.

LTFRB Technical Division head Joel Bolano said that the special permits were granted to operators sans pending summons or cases, with bus units not older than 10 years and with updated insurance coverage.

Meanwhile, LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra assured that Malasakit Help Desks are also available in all regional offices of the agency to assist motorists and passengers.

“Taon-taon po natin ito ginagawa para sa ating mga commuters. Lahat ng natututunan natin, inimprove natin para sa sususnod na taon (We do this every year for our commuters. Everything we learned, we used to improve our operations the following year),” Delgra said in a statement.

Ocular inspections of terminals and PUV garages will begin next Monday, October 28, the LTFRB said, to “ensure compliance of companies and operators to required facility standards.”

The agency added that it will be conducting random inspection of units and franchise documents together with the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic, Land Transportation Office, Highway Patrol Group and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

It will also intensify its operations against illegal or colorum PUVs and taxi units with franchise violations.

Delgra also reminded bus company administrators and drivers to strictly implement the discounts scheme for senior citizens, students and persons with disabilities (PWDs) and to have prioritized seats for the elderly, pregnant, and those with children in their terminals. /gsg