MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has granted special permits to 372 passenger buses to meet travel demands during the upcoming five-day break in Metro Manila tied to the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
Acting LTFRB Chairman Atty. Greg Pua, Jr. announced that the special permits cover 245 units for Northern Luzon routes, 111 units for Central Luzon routes, and the remaining buses allocated for Southern Luzon, the Bicol Region, and Western Visayas.
”We expect a large influx of our countrymen to the bus terminals to return to their respective provinces for vacation because this is a five-day school holiday,” Pua said.
Malacañang previously declared November 16 to 18 as special non-working days, creating an extended break for students and workers in the capital region. Pua noted that the special permits are designed to prevent passenger stranding at terminals.
“On the part of your LTFRB, we want to make sure that all our kababayan who would travel starting this weekend will have the peace of mind for fast, reliable, safe and comfortable travel,” he added.
To guarantee safety, Pua instructed Regional Franchising and Regulatory Offices (RFROs) to step up random inspections at major transport hubs, checking both vehicle roadworthiness and the physical and mental readiness of drivers and conductors.
On Thursday, November 12, Pua, alongside LTFRB Franchise Planning and Monitoring Division chief Sherwin Vizconde, monitoring teams, and the Law Enforcement Unit, inspected bus stations along the EDSA Busway to review operational preparations.
In addition to vehicle and crew checks, RFROs were directed to inspect terminal amenities, ensuring adequate weather protection, functional restrooms, and accessibility features for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Furthermore, Pua reminded conductors to strictly honor mandatory fare discounts, warning that violators face legal penalties.