IN light of the expected surge of travelers to the provinces during the Lenten season, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has granted special permits to over 1,000 buses and launched inspections to ensure safe and orderly Holy Week journeys.
LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said a total of 1,018 special permits have been issued as of April 8 to boost the supply of provincial buses during the peak travel period from April 11 to 27, covering the Holy Week and the days immediately after.
Complementing the issuance of special permits was conduct of random inspections of public utility vehicles and transport terminals to check the validity of operators’ documents, including permits, fare matrices, vehicle markings and safety accessories.
The inspections will continue throughout the travel rush.
“Our reminder to the passengers this Holy Week is to plan their travel ahead of time. Check the schedules of trips and ensure their tickets and other necessary documents are in order,” Guadiz said.
Private terminals are not spared from the agency’s inspection to start on April 11 to ensure the presence of help desks and sufficient personnel to assist the passengers.
Apart from enforcement efforts, the LTFRB chief warned the public against using unregistered vehicles that pose safety risks.
“Let us avoid taking a ride in colorum or illegal vehicles that have not passed through the right inspections and do not have insurance coverage for the passengers,” he said.
He reminded passengers to continue practising the basic health precautions during their trips even if face masks are no longer required.
He encouraged travelers to carry hygiene kits, alcohol and face masks for their protection, especially in crowded areas.
He said the LTFRB is ready to respond to public concerns as it urged passengers to report any complaints through its 24/7 hotline at 1342, official Facebook page, or via email at complaints@ltfrb.gov.ph.
