Metro Manila, Philippines – The government has granted special permits to over 1,000 buses as the transport sector prepares for the Holy Week exodus, an official said on Saturday, March 28.
Vigor Mendoza II, chairman of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), said while he approved the special permits for 1,297 units of passenger buses across the country, the agency will be monitoring the status of terminals by the holiday break should the need arise to deploy more buses.
“We are also anticipating of additional commuters this time because with the price of gasoline and diesel, some of our kababayan would find it practical to commute than drive their own vehicles,” Mendoza said in a news release.
Earlier, Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the agency has received reports of some provincial bus operators scaling down trips as fuel gets expensive.
Regulators told companies and operators to make sure the buses are roadworthy
Mendoza said he ordered regional directors to conduct roadworthiness inspections in bus and other public utility vehicle
The LTFRB said hundreds of terminal owners and operators have been issued show cause orders and notices of violation while some were shut down for gross violation of safety rules.
Code white alert
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) has raised a Code White Alert from March 30 to April 6 for the Holy Week break.
This means health emergency teams, health commodities, and emergency rooms in DOH-run hospitals are on standby 24/7 to immediately respond to road crash incidents, injuries, and other emergencies.
The DOH also reminded the public to stay hydrated, wear loose and light-color clothing, and avoid direct sunlight at peak hours amid the rising heat.
For motorists and drivers, they must keep their vehicles maintained, have enough rest, and avoid “drink and drive.”
