The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a special permit for the operation of a total of 1,080 passenger buses in anticipation of the influx of passengers for the Yuletide season.
LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said the duration of the special permit is from Dec. 15, in time for the exodus of people from urban areas to their respective hometowns, up to Jan. 14 next year, in time for the expected return of those who went on vacation.
“To serve the best interest of the riding public, the Board deems it necessary to review and amend the existing policy on the issuance of Special Permits for the 2023 Holiday Season, particularly on the duration of the permit to address the expected increase of travelers to the provinces,” the LTFRB Board Resolution read.
In the same resolution, the LTFRB also allowed passenger buses more than 14 years of age to be granted with the special permit.
The issuance of special pemits, according to Gaudiz, would increase to up to 30 percent the total number of passengers buses that woyld operate from Dec. 15 to Jan. 14.
Authorities are now on high alert for the expected increase of passengers for the Yuletide season.
On the part of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), it ordered a regular inspection of all passenger buses leaving bus terminals to ensure their road worthiness.