Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 4) — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Saturday ordered regional directors to issue special permits to public utility vehicles (PUVs) as next week’s nationwide transport strike nears.
Through Board Resolution No. 06 series of 2023, PUV drivers and operators with special permits are allowed to ply outside their usual routes to help those affected during the transport strike.
LTFRB Technical Division Chief Joel Bolano said this is part of the contingencies as some transport groups will stay off the road from March 6 to 11 to protest the mandatory franchise consolidation.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), meanwhile, has prepared 25 \”libreng sakay\” vehicles that can carry around 1,200 passengers.
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Obet Martin, president of transport group Pasang Masda, urged authorities not to place these free trips on routes unaffected by the transport strike.
The number coding scheme will not be lifted, the MMDA added.
“Dahil may window naman po tayo at ang ating mga kababayan ay sanay na mag-adjust na bumabiyahe po sila nang mas maaga before 7 o’clock and/or after 10 o’clock kung saan suspended po ‘yong oras na ‘yon ng number coding,” MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes told reporters.
[Translation: Because there is a window and Filipinos are used to adjusting and traveling earlier than 7 o’clock and/or after 10 o’clock when the number coding is suspended.]
