THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced on Wednesday that it will begin accepting special permit applications for All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days on Sept. 21 to ensure ample public transport for the millions of Filipinos traveling for the observance of All Saints’ Day or ‘Undas.’
The early filing — set from Sept. 21 to Oct. 2 — follows a directive from Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez to guarantee reliable, comfortable buses for those heading home to honor departed loved ones, acting LTFRB Chairman Greg Pua Jr. said.
Pua noted that the timeline would allow agency personnel sufficient time to review unit documents, particularly their roadworthiness.
"This annual migration affects many of our countrymen. Our early preparations ensure safe, comfortable trips to and from their provinces. We aim to prevent any passenger stranding by ensuring enough buses and suitable public transport," Pua said.
Special permits will be valid from Oct. 28 to Nov. 6. Last year, over 800 buses received such permits.
The LTFRB said applicants must bring an official receipt/certificate of registration (OR/CR), valid personal passenger accident insurance, and for juridical entities, a board resolution or secretary’s certificate authorizing the application and designating a representative.
Permit applications are approved only for applicants who comply with the following conditions: only 50 percent of authorized units per operator, per route; units must be less than 14 years old from manufacture; and applicants must specify the addresses of the route's origin and destination terminals.