LTFRB to expand non-stop bus routes

The Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is adding a new non-stop bus route, citing a strong demand for the point-to-point premium service in Metro Manila.

"We are now including North Edsa-to-Makati and North Edsa-to-Ortigas as a fourth package," LTFRB Chairman Winston M. Ginez told reporters at a briefing on Tuesday.

The board intends to make permanent the premium bus service beyond the Aquino administration's terms.

The new route will increase passenger capacity and expand the coverage of the premium bus service in Metro Manila, the LTFRB chief noted.

In November, Transportation and Communication Secretary Emilio Joseph "Jun" Abaya ordered an initial package of three routes.

"These buses have a strict loading and unloading area, only at points of origin and destination," Ginez said.

The first bundle comprises of return trips from Fairview and Ortigas to Makati, the second bundle from Katipunan and Libis to Makati, and the third bundle from Alabang to Makati.

Differently abled

A study by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) showed that most commuters come from these areas, Ginez noted.

The new premium buses will be able to cater to the "differently abled" persons. "We will offer new kinds of high quality buses with low floors. Pwedeng makapasok yung mga naka-wheel chair," Ginez said.

The point-to-point bus service was tested during the Christmas and New Year holidays with the southbound trips leaving the point of origin every thirty minutes from 6:20 a.m to 11:40 p.m., and northbound trips from 8:00 a.m to 10:00 p.m.

"'Yung ridership nag-peak especially in the morning. 'Yung rush hour from 6:00 a.m to 9:00 a.m. Pabalik din ng Ayala Center going to SM North sa hapon," he said.

Bus companies that intend to operate the non-stop service must to submit the requirements to the LTFRB by January 15.

"Three companies already submitted their letter of intent," he said. He did not elaborate.

The operators must be Filipino citizens and financially capable to the tune of P10 million per unit in terms of either net worth or credit line or a combination of both.

Ginez reiterated that the bus fares for the non-stop service will be lowered after commuters have complained that the rates were too high.

The LTFRB is cutting down the fare for the Trinoma and SM North routes to P55 from P60 and P64, respectively. Students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities are still qualified for a 20-percent discount. – VS, GMA News