The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved 60 special permits for additional buses in the Ilocos Region to serve the surge of passengers traveling for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Atty. Annabel Nullar, LTFRB Region 1 Director, assured commuters that there will be no shortage of public transport options during the season.

“Pang back-up 'yan sa mga sasakyan. Actually, marami na ring inter-regional na galing sa Manila, 'yung mga big buses, marami nang big buses,” Nullar said.

The LTFRB expects terminals to be crowded starting the weekend before Christmas Day, coinciding with the Christmas break of students.

In Dagupan City, buses are ready for trips to key destinations like Zambales, Baguio City, Isabela, Bolinao, La Union, and other provinces.

To accommodate the influx of travelers, bus companies have extended their last trips.

Pauleen Bañez, a traveler heading to Manila, shared her preparation for her return trip to Pangasinan on December 20.

“Ang importante makauwi kami at dito makapag-celebrate ng Pasko,” Bañez said.

To ensure a safe and smooth travel, buses are being inspected at terminals regularly to their roadworthiness.

“Sa mga bus dapat talaga roadworthy, kaya mahalaga ang inspection sa mga bus,” a terminal master in Dagupan City said.

LTFRB assured that there are enough drivers and conductors for the holiday trips but drivers will have sufficient rest to avoid fatigue.