Department of Transportation (DOTr) acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez has ordered special permits for nearly 300 buses traveling from Sapang Palay in San Jose del Monte City to Fairview, allowing them to pick up and drop off passengers directly at NIA Road in Quezon City to speed up commuters’ journeys.
The move follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to enhance the convenience and efficiency of public transportation. As a result, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issued 268 special permits allowing the buses to service the new route.
Lopez, who personally experienced the difficulties of commuting firsthand, said the order was necessary to ease the burden on the public.
“This needs to be done so that passengers do not have to walk too far, especially if they transfer to MRT-3,” Lopez said.
“The long walk just to board is a hardship for passengers. It is especially unfortunate for seniors and PWDs. That is why the bus station should be closer to the MRT so that they can easily transfer,” he said.
The newly-permitted buses will loop from Sapang Palay, passing through Commonwealth Ave., East Ave., Internal Road and NIA Road before looping back. While passengers may now board and alight at NIA Road, buses are strictly prohibited from parking or terminating in the area.
To enforce the regulation, Lopez also ordered the deployment of four Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel and four Land Transportation Office (LTO) traffic enforcers to ensure buses remain on NIA Road for only three minutes before moving on.
The constant honking of buses in the area will also be prohibited to avoid disturbing nearby residential buildings and offices.
For the month of October, buses will be allowed on NIA Road only during rush hours: 4 to 8 a.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. This schedule will be subject to change or continuation depending on the assessment conducted next month, the DOTr said.
