LTFRB issues special permits for Holy Week exodus

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued special permits to temporarily allow 594 buses to ply routes that will be in demand this Holy Week.

In a phone interview with The STAR yesterday, LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez said they believe the additional buses will be sufficient in handling the bulk of the passengers who will travel to and from the provinces starting today.

The permits will be in effect from today until April 21.

Ginez said operators of more than 900 buses have applied for special permits, but many were disapproved for failing to comply with the requirements set by the board.

LTFRB spokesperson Mary Ann Salada added that the board has denied the requests of operators who applied more than 25 percent of their authorized vehicles. “We don’t want them to abandon their routes,” she said.

Ginez said the board only issued special permits to buses and not other public utility vehicles.

He said buses allowed to ply a different route need to put on their windshields the special permits, which are printed on white paper and bear the signature of the three members of the board.

Ginez said they have set up help desks at major bus terminals to assist passengers traveling this Lenten season. He added that they will continue the conduct of inspections to ensure the safety of the passengers.