LTFRB to open 6 more bus routes

MANILA, Philippines — As commuters scrambled for limited transportation for the third straight Monday yesterday, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it would open six more bus routes in Metro Manila to transport passengers.

Starting today, the LTFRB said public utility buses may begin using the Ayala-Alabang, Ayala-Biñan and PITX-Trece Martires routes.

Three more bus routes – PITX-Sucat, PITX-Naic and PITX-Cavite City – will be opened on Thursday.

At least 30 bus routes have been opened since June 1 when Metro Manila shifted to the more lenient general community quarantine or GCQ.

“The opening of bus routes was based on the gradual and calibrated approach being implemented by the government in line with the resumption of public transportation,” the LTFRB said.

Commuters in parts of Metro Manila, particularly along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City had difficulty getting to work yesterday, two weeks after the metropolis was placed under GCQ.

The passenger cap imposed on public utility vehicles made it difficult for passengers to get rides to work on time.  Commuters rushed toward buses and disregarded social distancing.

“The government is doing daily adjustments to help commuters, but only in ways that would not place them in danger,” the transport regulatory body said.

The LTFRB reminded bus drivers and operators to follow health and safety protocols for passengers while in transit.

Under GCQ, public transportation was allowed to resume operations in two phases.

For Phase 1 covering June 1 to 21, the government has allowed the resumption of trains, P2P buses, taxis and transport network vehicle services at limited passenger capacity.

Tricycles have also been allowed to operate by local government units.

Modern jeepneys would be prioritized in the rollout in Phase 2, sidetracking traditional jeepney drivers due to health concerns.