The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) assured that there will be no bus fare adjustment amid the upcoming resumption in operations of some provincial buses on Wednesday.
South Luzon Bus Operators earlier appealed for a fare hike to make up for the losses from the 50-percent seating capacity arrangement.
LTFRB Chairman Atty. Martin Delgra assured that the government will provide assistance to members of the transport sector whose livelihood were severely affected by the health crisis. The possible non-collection of regulatory fees and provision of cash and fuel subsidy are being discussed.
“Under the Bayanihan 2, may pera pong nakalaan na (There is money in Bayanihan 2) allotted to DOTr for what we call critically impacted industries in the transport sector,” Delgra stated.
LTFRB is in continuous coordination with bus operators and LGUs that have decided to open borders.
“We will respect that kasi pagdating ng panahon na darating ‘yung mga pasahero na mga kababayan nila, kung mayroon pong problema patungkol sa public health, sila po ‘yung sasalo (We will respect that because when the time comes that their passengers would have public health concerns, they will answer for them). That’s the reason why we gave due consideration to those requests to limit the numbers of passengers,” Delgra stated.
The LTFRB released last week the 12 modified provincial bus routes from Region 3 and IV-A. Buses will follow a point-to-point scheme in accordance with IATF guidelines.
Persons outside the 21 to 60-year-old age range will not be accommodated. Contact tracing will also be made easier through online booking.
Health care facilities will be established near bus stops in provinces for a quicker response for possible COVID-19 cases. – Report from Ryan Lesigues
