The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) expects an additional 1,000 public utility buses to operate in the recently opened pre-pandemic routes.
Based on the LTFRB’s latest record, public utility buses are operating in 28 routes representing more than 3,000 units.
Cheloy Garafil, LTFRB chairman, said during the Laging Handa briefing the agency is expecting around 1,000 public utility buses to apply for special permits to operate in the opened routes.
LTFRB recently released a memorandum circular which approved the resumption of operation of 133 routes, including 52 for public utility vehicles, 32 for UV Express and 33 for city public utility buses.
LTFRB said the board approved the resumption of operation of the pre-pandemic non-EDSA routes and the retention of other city bus routes because with the resumption of face-to-face classes, a high volume of passengers in the Metro Manila Urban Transportation Integration Study Update and Capacity Enhancement Project areas is expected.
Garafil said LTFRB is set to open more routes until the implementation of full in-person classes on November 5.
LTFRB asked the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to suspend the no contact apprehension policy for public utility vehicles that will operate in the pre-pandemic routes. – Myla Iglesias