Interim operations of public utility buses going to and from integrated terminals in Metro Manila have been allowed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in preparation for New Year's Day.
The LTFRB said there is a "need to augment additional buses to cater influx of passengers coming from the Northern part of Luzon going to Metro Manila."
Under Memorandum Circular No. 2021-079, the LTFRB has allotted 20 units each for the following routes that can operate beginning Wednesday, Dec. 29 until March 31, 2022:
• North Luzon Express Terminal (NLET) - Araneta Bus Terminal (Cubao) via Mindanao Exit, C-5
• NLET - PITX via NLEX, A. Bonifacio, Taft Avenue
According to the LTFRB, those who can travel on specific routes are city buses with a valid and existing Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) or those whose CPC has expired but have submitted an Application for Extension of Validity of their CPC.
City bus operators who want to apply for the interim operations will be required to submit a letter of intent with the Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration (OR/CR) of the currently used bus unit with an affiliated Personal Passenger Insurance Policy; and proof that the units are operational and equipped with CCTV, dashcam, Wi-Fi, and navigation system.
The applicant should also submit an undertaking by the PUB operator or driver strictly following the Service Plan to be provided by the LTFRB.
The Board said a single-fleet managed cooperative will be allowed to travel on each route based on who has previously applied and can provide complete requirements for interim operation.
"If more than two have applied on the same route, the LTFRB will conduct a public lottery to determine which of the applicants will be granted a Special Permit," it added.
Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation and the LTFRB reminded drivers and passengers to still observe the following seven commandments inside public transport:
1. Wear masks and face shields
2. No talking and making phone calls
3. No eating
4. Keep public utility vehicles well-ventilated
5. Conduct frequent disinfection
6. No passengers with COVID-19 symptoms are to be allowed inside the public transportation
7. Observe appropriate physical distancing rule
The LTFRB likewise warned PUV operators that sanctions such as fines and revocation of license await if they failed to observe the guidelines.