By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In anticipation of the influx of travelers during the Lenten season, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) began issuing special permits to more than 1,000 buses on Tuesday, April 8.
Said special permits are valid from April 11 to 27, covering the Holy Week and the days immediately after.
The agency has also facilitated further preventive measures such as random inspections of public utility vehicles (PUVs) and transport terminals, as well as checking the validity of operators’ documents, including permits, fare matrices, vehicle markings, and safety accessories.
“Ang paalala po namin sa mga pasahero ngayong Holy Week ay magplano nang maaga. I-check ang schedules ng biyahe at tiyaking maayos na ang mga tiket at ibang necessary documents,” LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III said.
“Iwasan din sana natin ang pagsakay sa mga ‘colorum’ o illegal na mga sasakyan dahil ang mga ito ay hindi dumaan sa tamang inspeksiyon at walang insurance coverage para sa pasahero,” he added, cautioning the public against patronizing unregistered vehicles.
Likewise, the LTFRB chief encouraged travelers to observe basic health precautions, encouraging them to carry hygiene kits, especially in crowded areas.
av