2 routes opened for Metro Manila-bound buses in time for New Year celebration

The government has opened two routes for passenger buses bound for Metro Manila from the north in time for the expected influx of travelers during the New Year celebrations.

According to Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2021-079 of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the two routes are:

• North Luzon Express Terminal - Araneta Bus Terminal (Cubao) via Mindanao Exit, C-5;
• North Luzon Express Terminal - PITX via NLEX, A. Bonifacio, Taft Avenue

The routes will be open from Dec. 29, 2021, to March 31, 2022, the LTFRB said.

However, the LTFRB said only city buses with valid Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) are allowed to use these routes, as well as those who have submitted an application for the extension of the validity of their expired CPC.

City bus operators who want to apply for the interim operations are required to submit the following:

• Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration (OR/CR) of bus unit with Personal Passenger Insurance Policy;
• Proof that the bus is operational with functioning CCTV, Dashcam, Wi-Fi, and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for monitoring purposes;
• Undertaking of bus operator or driver stating strict observance of LTFRB service plan

"Isang Single-fleet Managed Cooperative/Corporation/Consortium ang papayagang bumiyahe sa bawat ruta base sa kung sino ang naunang mag-apply at makapagbigay ng kumpletong requirements para sa Interim Bus operation," the LTFRB said.

(One Single-fleet Managed Cooperative/Corporation/Consortium will be allowed to operate on each route based on the first to apply and submit the complete requirements for the Interim Bus operation.)

"Kung higit pa sa dalawa ang nakapag-apply sa iisang ruta, magsasagawa ang LTFRB ng public lottery upang matukoy kung sino sa mga aplikante ang mabibigyan ng Special Permit," it added.

(If more than two applied for one route, the LTFRB will conduct a public lottery to determine which between the applicants would be given Special Permit.)

The LTFRB also reminded drivers and passengers to strictly observe health protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic like the wearing of face masks and face shields; maintaining physical distancing; frequent disinfection; and proper ventilation of the bus units.

Passengers and drivers were also reminded talking, making phone calls and eating are not allowed while inside the bus.  —KBK, GMA News