LTFRB: Provincial buses allowed to ply routes in September

The bus routes from Metro Manila going to provinces may open this September, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairperson Martin Delgra said.

In a public briefing on Wednesday, Delgra said LTFRB is still coordinating  with concerned local government units as some of them are refusing to open their borders amid the threat of COVID-19.

“Within the month, we'll be opening the bus routes coming from Metro Manila and ending in Metro Manila,” Delgra said.

Out of the 81 provinces asked for permission, Delgra said only four have agreed to open the provincial bus routes including Antique, Quirino, and Bataan.

"Marami po sa kanila ang ayaw pa magbukas ng borders lalo na doon sa mga ruta na manggagaling ng Metro Manila,” he added.

According to Delgra, the LTFRB already informed the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) about this challenge.

Also on Wednesday, LTFRB National Capital Region director Atty. Zona Russet Tamayo said LTFRB was expediting the resumption of the operation of provincial buses amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said said the provincial bus operations may resume in the next couple of weeks.

“Sisimulan natin sa mga probinsya na malapit sa Metro Manila, katulad po ng Regions III and IV (A and B). Then eventually, mag-ease out sa mas malalayong regions naman po,” she added.

Tamayo said the LTFRB is still coordinating with concerned local government units  to create a uniform set of requirements for passengers who will be allowed to travel across different regions.

Some LGUs have different suggestions about the requirement, she added.

According to her, the possible requirements are travel clearance from the local government where the passengers come from, clearance from the Philippine National Police, and government-issued ID.

Only 50% capacity of provincial buses will be allowed in compliance with the protocol of the national government, Tamayo said.

Despite the reduced capacity, Tamayo said the existing fare shall be maintained. -NB, GMA News