LTFRB expedites processing of Undas special permits

MANILA, Philippines — With just four weeks to go, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is speeding up the processing of 356 special permit applications for trips timed for Undas, or the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day next month.

LTFRB Chairman Greg Pua Jr. said the special permit applications this year covered 1,003 buses across the country, up from the 847 units covered under 323 applications last year.

Pua said the applications indicated that more passengers would be traveling to and from their provinces for the Undas season.

“We are reviewing all the data we have to determine the appropriate number of passenger buses that will be given special permits,” Pua said.

He added that the LTFRB needs to ensure that an adequate number of buses would be available for the Undas break.

Before a special permit is issued, the LTFRB needs to assess the roadworthiness of public utility buses and the readiness of drivers to ensure the safety of passengers and other road users.

Pua ordered the regional franchising and regulatory offices to conduct checkups in bus terminals to ensure compliance with basic facility requirements for passengers.

“We ask the operators to comply with the commitments they made when they applied not only for special permits but also for the operation of terminals. This is a way of respecting and giving back the trust and confidence of your passengers,” Pua said.