The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has approved special permits for 847 units of passenger buses for the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days exodus.
LTFRB chief Vigor Mendoza II said the special permits will cover 124 routes in Metro Manila and Luzon, almost all originating from bus terminals and transport hubs in 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 countrymen start to travel to their hometowns,” he said.
“In approving the special permits, it comes with an obligation to the bus companies to ensure the roadworthiness of their units and the physical and mental readiness of their drivers and conductors at all times,” he added.
Out of the approved additional units, 189 will take the Metro Manila to Southern Luzon route (CALABARZON and MIMAROPA), 491 units for Metro Manila to Northern Luzon, and 67 units for Metro Manila to the Bicol Region.
The LTFRB stated that 18 additional buses were approved for the Metro Manila-Eastern Visayas route, 21 for Metro Manila to Western Visayas, and five for Mindanao-bound from Manila.
At least 56 additional units were approved for other areas in Luzon, but would not cover the Metro Manila route.
“Your LTFRB is ready to ensure the roadworthiness of all PUV units and the employees of the transport companies, particularly drivers and conductors. We will conduct regular and surprise inspections,” Mendoza said.
The Undas exodus is expected to start this weekend, as some schools have already declared a wellness break starting October 27.
“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 the safety of all travelers for Undas,” the LTFRB chief said.
