LTFRB: Special permits for PUVs valid from Dec. 20, 2024 to Jan. 10, 2025

The special permits of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for public utility vehicles will be valid from December 20, 2024 to January 10, 2025, LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III has said.

Guadiz said Filipinos returned from the provinces on January 3 or 4 "while there are some who would extend their vacation a little bit more."

"So to give them an elbow room, in-extend ko hanggang January 10 para hindi nagsisiksikan sa terminal... So there would be sufficient buses to service them," Guadiz told GMA News Online.

(So to give them an elbow room, I extended until January 10 so they will not be crowded in the terminals. So there would be sufficient buses to service them.) 

The LTFRB first said that the application for special permits will begin on December 15, while the coverage will only be available until January 4. 

The special permits will be issued to address the influx of commuters within and outside of Metro Manila this Christmas rush. 

“May mga nakatalaga kaming tao sa mga terminals. Kapag kulangin yung mga buses, mayroong on the spot na magbibigay ng special permit,” said Guadiz in Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon. 

(We have personnel deployed in terminals. If there are not enough buses, we have people on the spot who can issue special permits.) 

The board also said that it is also inspecting buses if they are worthy to travel. 

“Mino-monitor din namin yung kaayusan nung bus. Dapat ito ay roadworthy, kaya bago lumabas yung bus, nagi-inspection kami,” said Guadiz. 

(We also monitor the maintenance of the bus. It should be roadworthy, so we inspect them before they ply the road.) —NB, GMA Integrated News