LTFRB reopens interregional provincial bus routes

In this file photo, provincial buses pass through the toll plaza of the North Luzon Expressway. INQUIRER /GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday announced the resumption of operations of Provincial Public Utility Buses (PUBs) on Inter-regional Routes.

In issuing Memorandum Circular No. 2022-023, the LTFRB said all PUB Operators with valid Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC), Provisional Authority (PA), and Special Permits are allowed to resume operations and use designated end-point terminals to and from Metro Manila.

Those with an expired CPC, but have filed an Application for Extension of Validity prior to its expiration, would also be allowed to resume operations in these routes, based on Memorandum Circular No. 2022-023.

With this, inter-regional routes including provincial commuter routes coming from Calabarzon will be allowed to return to its original terminal — Araneta Bus Terminal, Cubao — via C5.

However, provincial commuter routes with pre-COVID endpoints in Buendia, Makati, Pasay, and Manila will continue to have the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) as its endpoint, including those coming from remote parts of South Luzon such as Quezon, Mimaropa, and Bicol.

Provincial buses from Visayas and Mindanao to Metro Manila are now also allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at the Santa Rosa Integrated Terminal (SRIT).

The LTFRB then reminded PUB operators to secure a QR Code on each authorized unit to be driven prior to operation. The QR Code can be downloaded on LTFRB’s website, and must be printed on a short bond paper (size 8.5 “× 11”) and posted on the front windshield of buses without affecting the driver’s view.

“Sa mga nais naman bumiyahe, paalala pong muli na kailangang sundin ang ating mga health and safety protocols para sa ligtas na byahe,” the LTFRB also said.

(For those who want to travel, please remember that we must follow our health and safety protocols for safe travel.)

Metro Manila and 38 other areas were placed under Alert Level 1 until March 15.

Under Alert Level 1, intrazonal and interzonal travel are allowed regardless of age and comorbidities while all establishments, persons, or activities are permitted to operate, work, or be done at full on-site capacity, provided that health standards are observed.

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