LTFRB allows 656 NCR buses to ply Undas routes

From Thursday, Oct. 30 to Monday, Nov. 3, 656 Metro Manila buses will be allowed to ply popular routes to the provinces for the yearly Undas (All Saints' and All Souls' Days).

 

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board approved the 656 special permits in time for the yearly exodus, state-run Philippines News Agency reported.

 

“Out of 896 units that applied for special permit, only 656 units were recommended for approval, 240 were denied for (a number of) reasons,” the PNA quoted LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez as saying.

 

Ginez said some applications were turned down because of expired or lack of passenger accident liability insurance.

 

He also said the applications exceeded 25 percent of the authorized number of units for some franchises.

 

Other reasons include expired certificate of public convenience (CPC) or no application for extension of validity of franchise attached; and units applied were not registered under the operators' name.

 

Starting Wednesday, government agencies tightened inspections of bus terminals in Metro Manila to make sure the buses are roadworthy.

 

Meanwhile, the LTFRB warned bus companies against exploiting the occasion to jack up their fares, with Ginez saying overcharging "is prohibited.”

 

Passengers who were forced to pay higher fares can call the LTFRB hotline 459-2129. — Joel Locsin/VC, GMA News