LTFRB issues special permit to 1,100 buses for Holy Week exodus

At least 1,100 provincial buses have been granted special permits for the Holy Week break, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said Wednesday.

LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra III disclosed this at a hearing conducted by the House committee on transportation, noting that it is part of the agency’s preparations for the Holy Week.

The said permits were issued to accommodate the influx of passengers headed to provinces.

“We know that people would want to travel to certain areas pagdating sa mga ganu’ng klaseng okasyon—either to pray, to go on a retreat, or simply take a vacation… so that’s the reason why we issue special permits to bus operators,” he told reporters.

He said they are still processing applications for special permits, which they will start releasing before Holy Week begins on April 9, Palm Sunday.

April 13 (Maundy Thursday) and 14 (Good Friday) are regular non-working holidays.

Delgra also noted that an increasing number of travelers also look to bringing their cars with them on provincial trips by traveling through roll-on, roll-off ships.

“Maganda na kasi ‘yung daan saka ‘yung serbisyo sa ro-ro maganda na rin, so some people who take their own vehicle than take public transpo dahil mas convenient. Pero we also encourage public transportation,” he added.

For their part, airport agencies also shared their plans for Holy Week, which includes intensified security at the terminals, strict screening and inspection of baggage and passengers, and setting up 24/7 Help Desks.

Wednesday’s hearing also delved into the 11-day Western and Eastern Nautical Expedition that some of the lawmakers went to, including House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas.

Members of the Transportation committee pointed out that some of the bus terminals do not have clean restrooms.

Committee chair Cesar Sarmiento advised local governments to check terminals in their area to ensure that they comply with business permits.

Sarmiento added that an ad-hoc committee will be created for the said expedition. —JST, GMA News