The Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippines (PBOAP) is calling for the gradual return of provincial bus operations since P2P buses going to Cavite and Bulacan have already been allowed to travel.
“Ang unang naapektuhan dito iyong mga support personnel, lalo na iyong mga nagta-trabaho sa terminal…Iyon ang unang mga na-retrench (The support personnel especially those working in the terminal are primarily affected…They were the first to be retrenched),” PBOAP Director Alex Yague stated.
“Ten percent lang ng kanilang franchise unit na patatakbuhin natin. Example, let’s say Cabanatuan to Cubao. Ang franchise dyan nasa 300 buses. Kahit i-allow natin 30 buses na lang muna (We could allow 10 percent of their franchise unit to operate. Let’s say Cabanatuan to Cubao. A franchise has around 300 buses. We can at least allow 30 buses),” Yague appealed.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) responded that many local government units are still hesitant in opening their borders. Possible pickup and drop off points are now being considered in case provincial bus operations are permitted.
“Kung okay ba sa LGU doon sa integrated terminal sa kanilang lugar o ‘di kaya roon malapit mismo sa hospital (If it is okay with the LGUs to use their integrated terminal or near the hospital), so that if there will be some emergencies or health emergencies, we [can] address, o kaya malapit sa quarantine o isolation facility ng mga respective provinces (or near quarantine or isolation facility of the respective provinces),” LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra suggested.
The LTFRB also clarified that deployed P2P buses are plying the so-called commuter routes. There are currently 31 routes for public utility buses (PUB) and 33 for P2P.
Meanwhile, three bus units which doors are placed on the left side in accordance with the EDSA bus stop started travelling on Wednesday morning. HM Transport Inc. said seven more units of this type will be added along EDSA by September. – Report from Karen Villanda
