In line with the instruction of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. to ensure safe and comfortable travel for the Holy Week, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), under the guidance of DOTr Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Z. Lopez, has granted special permits to 1,297 units of passenger buses across the country.
LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said the approval is aimed at ensuring adequate passenger buses as the agency expects an influx of commuters going to and from the provinces for the long holiday break.
“The increase in the number of passengers at this time of the year is normal because this is an annual religious activity that is really important for the Filipino people,” said Chairperson Mendoza.
“But we are also anticipating of additional commuters this time because with the price of gasoline and diesel, some of our kababayan would find it practical to commute than drive their own vehicles,” he added.
Chairperson Mendoza said they will be monitoring the status on the ground as to the commuters trooping to bus terminals to ensure a real-time response if there is a need to deploy more buses. In granting the special permit, he said bus companies and operators were clearly instructed to ensure the road worthiness of their units.
In relation to the safe Holy Week travel, Chairperson Mendoza ordered all Regional Directors to initiate road worthiness inspection protocols in bus and other public utility vehicle (PUV) terminals. Chairperson Mendoza said coordination with other government agencies like the local government units (LGUs) and law enforcement agencies should also be done to maximize the assistance and road safety rules implementation.
“Our goal is to ensure the safety of commuters and other road users by ensuring the road worthiness of buses and other PUVs, as well as the physical and mental readiness of the drivers,” he added.
Apart from the road safety rules, Chairperson Mendoza also emphasized the need for local LTFRB officials to ensure that operators of PUV terminals are following the rules and regulations on safety and comfort of the passengers.
The LTFRB earlier intensified the inspections on PUV terminals over complaints of dilapidated facilities that compromise the safety and comfort of the passengers. Hundreds of terminal owners and operators were issued with show cause orders and notice of violations while some were shut down for gross violation of safety rules.
“Aside from the safety of PUVs on the road, we also have to make sure that all passengers are comfortable and treated well inside the terminals,” said Chairperson Mendoza.
“There must be no excuses, violators should be called out and asked to explain why they should not be penalized,” he added. Millions of people are expected to troop to the provinces to take advantage of the long vacation for the Holy Week break.
Police forces are already preparing and Chairperson Mendoza said the LTFRB should be prepared as well for the safety and comfort of the passengers.
