DOTr grants special permits to 268 buses to take passengers along NIA Road

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has directed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to issue special permits to 268 buses plying from Sapang Palay and Fairview, allowing them to load and unload passengers again along NIA Road in Quezon City. 

The move will benefit senior citizens and people with disabilities who had to walk some distance in order to take a bus ride, said Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez. 

“Kailangan itong gawin para hindi napakalayo ng nilalakad ng mga pasahero, lalo na kung lilipat sila ng sakayan papuntang MRT-3,” said Lopez in a statement Tuesday. 

(This needs to be done so that the passengers won't have to walk too far, especially when they transfer rides headed to the MRT-3.) 

“Pahirap sa pasahero ‘yung mahabang lakad para lang makasakay. Kawawa lalo na ‘yung mga senior at PWD. Kaya dapat mas malapit sa MRT ‘yung sakayan ng bus para madali silang makalipat,” he added. 

(The long walk just to get a ride is a burden to passengers. It's especially difficult for seniors and PWDs. That's why the bus stop must be closer to the MRT so transfers can be easier.)

The buses will operate on a loop: Sapang Palay - Commonwealth Avenue - East Avenue - Internal Road - NIA Road. 

However, the DOTr clarified that buses are strictly prohibited from parking or using NIA Road as a terminal. 

The DOTr also ordered the deployment of four Philippine Coast Guard personnel and four Land Transportation Office enforcers to ensure that buses will only stay for three minutes at NIA Road. 

Buses are also not allowed to frequently use their horns while on the said road to avoid disturbing nearby residential buildings and offices. 

Further, the bus access to NIA Road is limited to rush hours - 4 a.m to 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This schedule may be adjusted or extended based on the assessment in the following month, the DOTr said. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News