LTFRB to award long-term P2P service contracts this month

The Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) intends to award long-term contracts for the non-stop, point-to-point (P2P) bus service within the month.

The board is now in the process of selecting bus operators for several premium P2P routes, linking several high-traffic origin and destination points such as Makati, Ortigas Center, Alabang, and Fairview, the Department of Transportation and Communications said on Thursday.

The link up is expected to start next June.

"The winning bus operators have the option to operate an interim service while the required buses are being manufactured," according to the DOTC.
 
"The buses should be equipped with modern features, such as automatic fare collection system, global positioning system devices, on-board closed-circuit television cameras, and free Wi-Fi," the department said.

In line with environmental sustainability, buses should be compliant with Euro IV emissions standards or better, or run on clean alternative fuels, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, it added.

The LTFRB has extended the special permit for the temporary P2P bus service until January 31, citing the popular demand by commuters.
 
“We are pleased with the positive reception of the bus service, given the increase in ridership over the holidays," Transportation and Communications Secretary Jun Abaya said.
"The service offers the riding public access to a convenient transportation option that can attract private car owners to shift to public transportation,” he added.
 
The premium P2P bus service is a public utility vehicle (PUV) sub-category created by the DOTC. It offers commuters a safe and reliable mode of transportation, the DOTC claimed, saying it allows shorter travel time, as buses depart on a fixed schedule and travel directly from the terminal to the drop-off point.
 
“Aside from providing significant travel time savings and enhanced passenger experience, this can lessen the number of cars on the road and make more efficient use of road space through higher-capacity vehicles,” Abaya said.

The service was piloted over the Christmas and New Year Holidays.
 
P2P buses currently ply three routes: SM North EDSA-Glorietta 5, Trinoma-Glorietta 5, and SM Megamall to Glorietta 5.

Here's a schedule of the P2P bus service:

Originally to run only until January 6, the service was extended by the LTFRB by giving operator Fröhlich Tours Inc. a special permit.

On Tuesday, the LTFRB said a new route will be added to the P2P service because of the strong demand from commuters in Metro Manila.

According to the DOTC, the bus drivers are paid a fixed salary – plus benefits – with no incentives for the number of passengers to prevent on-street competition among buses. – VS, GMA News