LTFRB approves 956 special PUV permits for holiday rush

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved 956 special permits for public utility vehicles (PUVs) in anticipation of the Christmas and New Year rush, the agency announced Thursday afternoon.

The special permits will be valid from Friday, Dec. 20. They were originally set to expire on Jan. 5, 2025, but were extended to Jan. 10, 2025.

“They (PUV special permit holders) are expected to cater to more commuters this holiday rush, ensuring efficient and safe travel to all,” Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III said in a statement.

READ: LTFRB grants 753 buses special permits for upcoming Undas

The board explained that the special permits were a “regular practice” during the holidays, aiming to allow more PUVs to ply beyond their original routes and augment public transportation to accommodate the surge of commuters.

According to the board, 988 units applied for the special PUV permit after the agency opened applications last Sunday, Dec. 15.

READ: LTFRB issues special permits to PUVs for holiday rush

“We ensure that other matters in terms of keeping them safe this Christmas, such as ensuring PUVs are safe to travel and terminals are efficient and convenient, will also be prioritized,” Guadiz added.

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