By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
QUEZON CITY — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved special permits for 847 units of passenger buses for the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days exodus.
LTFRB Chairman Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said that the special permits will cover 124 routes in Metro Manila and Luzon— almost all of them coming to and from bus terminals and transport hubs in the National Capital Region.
“These additional buses will make up for the travel of more passengers on their way to respective provinces to pay respect to their departed loved ones. We will continue to assess and monitor the situation on the ground as early as next week when our kababayan start to travel to their hometowns,” Chairman Mendoza said.
“In approving the special permits, it comes with an obligation to the bus companies to ensure the road worthiness of their units and the physical and mental readiness of their drivers and conductors at all times,” Mendoza added.
Of the approved additional units, 189 of them will have the Metro Manila to Southern Luzon route (Calabarzon and Mimaropa); 491 units for Metro Manila to Northern Luzon; 67 units for Metro Manila to Bicol Region.
A total of 18 additional buses were approved for Metro Manila-Eastern Visayas route; 21 for Metro Manila to Western Visayas; and, five are Mindanao bound from Manila.
On the other hand, a total of 56 additional units were approved for other areas in Luzon, but do not cover the Metro Manila route.
“Your LTFRB is ready to ensure the road worthiness of all PUV units and the employees of the transport companies, particularly drivers and conductors. We will conduct regular and surprise inspections,” Mendoza said.
The “Undas” exodus is expected to start this weekend as some schools have already declared wellness break, starting Oct. 27.
Mendoza earlier ordered all Regional Directors to conduct inspection of bus terminals and transport stations in their respective areas of responsibility to ensure passenger comfort, and safe travel.
In compliance with the order of Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez, the LTFRB penalized 22 units of two bus companies for illegal terminals early this week.
“We will continue to make our presence felt on transport hubs and the roads in coordination with other government agencies. This is a whole-of-government approach to ensure safety of all travelers for Undas,” Mendoza said.
JTR Reports 10240325–MHE
