Richard A. Reyes/Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines—The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced on Wednesday that it will grant special permits to more public utility buses (PUBs) during holidays.
According to Memorandum Circular 2023-024, the LTFRB extended the required year model of PUBs from 10 to 14 years.
The agency also increased the total number of PUB units to be given special permits from 25 percent to 30 percent.
“Special holidays such as Christmas and Holy Week are important holidays that allow many Filipinos to go home even for a few days so that they can reunite with their families, loved ones, and friends in the celebration or observation of these dates,” said LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III.
“By allowing more PUBs to ply routes such as those going to the provinces, it will provide commuters with more convenience going home. With the help of additional bus units, it will be easier for our compatriots to go home because they will be more assured that they will have a bus to ride home,” he added.
However, the LTFRB clarified that it will have the discretion to deny permit applications if granting them would lead to route abandonment.
The circular will take effect starting on August 16.
– Ivana Romero, INQUIRER.net Trainee
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