DOTC sets assistance program for Holy Week travellers

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is gearing up for the Holy Week as it launched its “OPLAN LigtasBiyahe: Kwaresma 2013” for those who will be travelling to their home provinces.

The DOTC said in a statement Friday that they will implement it “to address the anticipated substantial increase in the volume of travellers, particularly those making their yearly trips to and from the provinces in observance of the Holy Week.”

“We expect many people to travel to their hometowns or to holiday destinations as early as Friday, March 22, 2013, considering that there are three regular holidays/special non-working days during the Holy Week itself: Maundy Thursday (March 28), Good Friday (March 29), and Black Saturday (March 30),” DOTC said.

DOTC will beef up security and safety measures and set up help desks and assistance networks throughout the many seaports, airports, railway stations, and bus terminals in the country to ensure convenience of the public.

Special permits have been issued by the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to allow for extra ships and buses to cater to the increased number of passengers.

“As of March 21, LTFRB has approved 460 additional bus units to satisfy the increased passenger demand in the coming days,” it said.

DOTC said that it will also publish real-time information such as traffic incidents, flight cancellations, and expressway traffic through social media.

“For updates on OPLAN LigtasBiyahe and other transportation related matters, the public is advised to follow @DOTCPhilippines on Twitter,” DOTC said.

“Motorists and commuters travelling through the expressways/tollways are also encouraged to visit https://www.tollways.net.ph/ and follow @TRBSAFE on Twitter for travel time and traffic advisories. For complaints and assistance, please call the DOTC Action Center Hotline: 7890,” it said.