The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it is continuously engaging with local government units (LGUs) to open its borders for provincial buses to resume operations and ferry more commuters as the country gradually revives the economy.

"Tuluy-tuloy pa rin ang ugnayan natin sa mga LGUs sa pagbubukas ng mga ruta ng provincial buses. Nagbukas na tayo ng mga routes as early as September 30 at tuluy-tuloy pa rin ang pagbubukas nito," LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III said in a virtual Laging Handa briefing on Friday.

(We are continuously discussing with LGUs the opening of provincial bus routes. We have already opened routes as early as September 30 and we are continuing to do so.)

This came after the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for Emerging Infectious Diseases decided to allow the resumption of provincial bus operations on a point-to-point basis.

According to Delgra, local officials play a big role in helping to determine the routes that will be opened in their areas as they have firsthand information of the pandemic situation on the ground.

The LTFRB chief added that there are some LGUs that are still "cautious" in opening their borders for provincial buses going to and from Metro Manila due to health reasons.

"When we talk about routes kasi may origin and destination 'yan. Sometimes, yung pagdaan ng bus sa mga LGUs in between ay hindi pinapayagan," he explained.

(When we talk about routes, they have an origin and destination. Sometimes, LGUs in between these routes do not allow the buses to pass through their area.)

"That is the reason why we need to continue engaging with the LGUs na buksan pa ang ibang ruta, hindi lang yung papuntang Metro Manila pati na rin ang mga inter-regional routes not touching Metro Manila," Delgra added.

(That is the reason why we need to continue engaging with the LGUs to open other routes, not only those going to Metro Manila but also those inter-regional routes not touching Metro Manila.)

The LTFRB earlier released a memorandum circular allowing additional 269 units of provincial buses to ply 10 more P2P routes to be opened starting Monday, December 21, allowing more passengers to travel across regions after months of quarantine lockdowns.

This brings the total number of authorized provincial bus units to 1,372 plying 41 approved routes across the country since the government allowed provincial buses to return on roads last September 30.

Under the latest circular, a special permit will be required for units plying inter-regional routes outside Metro Manila which can be applied online through [email protected].

The LTFRB added that only roadworthy provincial buses with a valid and existing Certificate of Public Convenience or Application for Extension of Validity, and a Personal Passenger Insurance Policy will be allowed to operate.

Drivers, operators, and passengers were also reminded to strictly observe minimum health protocols while inside the bus such as the mandatory wearing of face masks and face shields, observing physical distancing, no talking and making phone calls, and no eating.

The LTFRB warned that failure to comply with the guidelines will incur penalties such as imposition of fines or cancellation or suspension of the Certificate of Public Convenience or Provisional Authority of the unit.