The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved on Friday, Oct. 24, special permits for 847 additional passenger buses to accommodate the expected surge of commuters traveling to the provinces for this year’s observance of the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days (Undas).

LTFRB Chairman Vigor D. Mendoza II said the special permits will cover 124 routes in Metro Manila and Luzon, with most buses operating to and from terminals and transport hubs across the National Capital Region.

“These additional buses will make up for the travel of more passengers on their way to respective provinces to pay respect to their departed loved ones. We will continue to assess and monitor the situation on the ground as early as next week when our kababayan start to travel to their hometowns,” Mendoza said.

Of the total approved units, 491 will serve Northern Luzon, 189 for Southern Luzon (Calabarzon and Mimaropa), and 67 for the Bicol Region.

Additional units include 18 for Eastern Visayas, 21 for Western Visayas, and five bound for Mindanao.

Another 56 units were approved for other areas in Luzon which do not cover the Metro Manila route.

“In approving the special permits, it comes with an obligation to the bus companies to ensure the road worthiness of their units and the physical and mental readiness of their drivers and conductors at all times,” Mendoza said.

The LTFRB assured continued monitoring and inspection of terminals and transport stations, especially as the Undas travel rush begins this weekend, coinciding with the start of school wellness breaks on Oct. 27.

Earlier this week, the agency penalized 22 bus units from two companies for operating illegal terminals as part of its enforcement drive.

“We will continue to make our presence felt on transport hubs and the roads in coordination with other government agencies. This is a whole-of-government approach to ensure safety of all travelers for Undas,” Mendoza said.