The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will allow more public utility bus (PUB) units to receive special permits and operate during the holidays.
LTFRB issued memorandum circular No. 2023-024 that extends 'the year model of PUB units to allow for the issuance of Special Permit during Special Holidays from 10 years to a maximum of 14 years old.
The circular also increases the number of PUB units that can receive a special permit during holidays 'from 25 percent to 30 percent of the total number of units of the applicant under the same route'.
However, the document also stressed that LTFRB could deny the application for a special permit 'when the same would result in the abandonment of route'.
Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III, the chairperson of LTFRB, said on Wednesday, August 2, that allowing more buses to operate 'will provide commuters with more convenience going home'.
"Special holidays such as Christmas and Holy Week are important holidays that allow many Filipinos to go home even for a few days so that they can reunite with their families, loved ones, and friends in the celebration or observation of these dates," Guadiz said.
"Sa tulong ng mga karagdagang bus units, mas madali nang makakauwi ang ating mga kababayan dahil mas may kasiguraduhang mayroon silang masasakyan na bus pauwi," he added.
The circular will take effect on August 14.
