MANILA -- The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has granted special permits to 1,355 public utility buses nationwide from October 30 to November 5 to serve passengers during the All Saints' and All Souls’ Days.
This, as the Board reminded passengers traveling to the provinces that they should be aware of safety features to ensure that the buses they are riding are roadworthy during the trips.
“Passengers are encourage to be vigilant by looking out for defective signal lights, poorly-maintained tires, and damaged side mirrors and report these immediately to LTFRB. If not replaced immediately at the bus station, these malfunctioning bus accessories can be a cause for delay or even road accidents,” LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III said in a statement on Monday.
He also reminded bus operators of the six-hour cap that mandates a replacement driver for trips exceeding more than six hours, as well as comfortable waiting areas for the passengers.
Students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities are entitled to a 20-percent fare discounts while priority seats for the elderly, pregnant and with children must be available in every vehicle.
“For your own safety, we also urge the public to stay vigilant and to avoid boarding 'colorum' (unregistered) vehicles as they prepare for the annual observance of All Saints’ Day on November 1st,” Delgra said.
The LTFRB is conducting regular inspections of bus terminals for the “Undas” while passengers can directly report to the agency if they notice something amiss with the buses they will be riding.
The Board will also coordinate with the Land Transportation Office to ensure the readiness of public utility vehicle drivers to deliver commuters to their destinations by actively implementing RA 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, RA 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act, RA 10913 or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, and the Joint Administrative Order 2014-01. (PNA)
