MANILA, Philippines — Two routes will be open to public utility buses to allow them to ferry the expected influx of passengers coming from places north of Metro Manila for the New Year’s Day celebrations, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced on Tuesday.
The following routes will be open from Dec. 29, 2021, to March 31, 2022:
- North Luzon Express Terminal (NLET) to the Araneta Bus Terminal (Cubao) via the Mindanao Exit of C-5
- NLET to PITX via NLEX, A. Bonifacio, Taft Avenue
Under Memorandum Circular No. 2021-079, city buses will be allowed to use those routes only if they have a valid Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) or if they have submitted an application for the extension of the validity of their expired CPC.
City bus operators who want to apply for the interim operations are required to submit to the LTFRB a letter of intent with the Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration (OR/CR) of the buses that will be used — along with an affiliated Personal Passenger Insurance Policy and proof that the buses are operational and equipped with CCTV cameras, a dash cam, Wi-Fi, and a navigation system.
The applicants are also required to submit an undertaking by the PUB operator or driver strictly following the Service Plan to be provided by the LTFRB.
The LTFRB, together with the Department of Tourism, reminded drivers and passengers to strictly observe the following “seven commandments” in transit:
1. Wear masks and face shields.
2. No talking and making phone calls.
3. No eating.
4. Keep public utility vehicles well-ventilated.
5. Conduct frequent disinfection.
6. No passengers with COVID-19 symptoms are to be allowed inside the buses.
7. Observe appropriate physical distancing rule.
Those who fail to observe the guidelines will face sanctions — such as fines and revocation of license.
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