New LTFRB memo gives permits to buses older than 10 years during holidays
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will give special permits to buses older than 10 years in a bid to increase the number of public utility buses (PUBs) during special holidays.
Based on LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2015-008 and Board Resolution No. 052, Series of 2018, special permits should only be given to PUBs which are not more than 10 years old as part of the measures to ensure the safety of the commuters.
LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III said they have already come up with a new memorandum that would extend it from 10 years to 14 years.
The Circular will take effect on Aug. 14.
The same Circular also increased the number of units that will be allowed for issuance of Special Permits during holidays 25 percent to 30 percent of the total number of units of the applicant under the same route.
Guadiz, however, clarified that the LTFRB had the discretion to deny the application when the same would result in the abandonment of route.
“Special holidays such as Christmas and Holy Week are important holidays that allow many Filipinos to go home even for a few days so that they can reunite with their families, loved ones and friends in the celebration or observation of these dates,” said Guadiz.
“By allowing more PUBs to ply routes such as those going to the provinces, it will provide commuters with more convenience going home,” he added.
Shortage of buses are usually the complaints of commuters during special holidays which usually lead to a number of passengers being stranded in the terminals.
The LTFRB Circular was in line with the holiday economics that was reimplemented by President Marcos wherein the date of non-working holiday is being moved either on Monday or Friday for workers and students to take advantage of a long weekend.