Window hours for some provincial buses in NCR terminals take effect

Published April 20, 2022 10:17 AM By JOVILAND RITA,GMA News

Commuters expressed frustration over the window hours implemented in Metro Manila terminals for provincial buses without QR codes and special permits as the new policy took effect on Wednesday.

According to James Agustin's report on Unang Balita, many terminals in EDSA-Cubao areas have already adjusted their provincial trips in line with the 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. window hours.

Commuter Noel Tamesis was surprised that he was not able to buy a ticket for an afternoon trip back to Baguio City after his appointment in a hospital in San Juan City.

He lamented that commuters who completed their appointment at 10 a.m. have to wait until 10 p.m. for the departure of buses heading to provinces during the window hours.

“Hindi naman yata tama ‘yun. Unang-una, wala silang abiso [That’s not right. In the first place, they have no advisory],” he said.

Another commuter, Kenneth Capaña, said the new policy could be a burden to workers who have to follow schedules.

“Medyo mahirap siguro yun kasi depende po sa schedule ng trabaho saka medyo malayo po kasi kung gagamit naman po ng Grab or magata-taxi,” he said.

(That would be quite difficult considering work schedule and when it is too far for Grab or taxi.)

Bus companies First North Luzon Transit Inc.

, Victory Liner Inc., and Five Star Bus Company announced that their departure and arrivals in Metro Manila terminals will be within the window hours only.

Alex Yague, executive director of Nagkakaisang Samahan ng Nangangasiwa ng Panlalawigang Bus sa Pilipinas Inc., said provincial buses in the north are the most affected as only 30% of them have QR codes and special permits.

According to Yague, provincial buses would have been allowed in Metro Manila as of March 10 as the region shifted to Alert Level 1. Citing a resolution of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), he added that using integrated terminal exchanges is no longer mandatory.

However, he said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) did not update in a memorandum circular allowing provincial buses to enter the NCR.

“Unfortunately, yung LTFRB hindi niya binago ang memorandum circular na pwede makapasok ang buses (the LTFRB did not change the memorandum circular that buses are allowed to enter),” he said.

On March 24, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced a two-week dry run for the return of provincial buses to EDSA after the Department of Transportation gave its approval.

Asked about the concerns of commuters, the MMDA said that the issue is under the jurisdiction of the LTFRB.

LTFRB executive director Tina Cassion told reporters in a message that they would issue a statement on the issue soon.  —KBK, GMA News

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