The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), under the guidance of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, advised all its regional officials and personnel to remain alert and proactive as millions of people are expected to return from their hometowns to Metro Manila and other urban areas after the conclusion of this year’s All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Acting LTFRB Chairman Atty. Greg G. Pua, Jr. said Regional Franchising and Regulatory Offices (RFROs) were instructed to maintain the same level of monitoring and other actions to ensure the safety and comfortable travel of passengers.
Among them is the coordination with other law enforcement agencies for the conduct of random and surprise drug tests, roadworthiness inspections of buses and other public utility vehicles, and inspection of bus terminals and other land transportation hubs.
“We also expect that our help desks will remain active, especially today, when the return of our kababayan starts up to the time that the situation on bus terminals and other transportation hubs normalizes,” said Acting Chairman Pua.
At least 80 help desks were set up in various bus terminals across the country, the intention is to serve as the eyes and ears of the LTFRB in the compliance of the conditions set in the issuance of the Certificate of Public Convenience.
Among them are the proper maintenance of the facilities in the bus terminals, the roadworthiness of vehicles, and the mental and physical fitness of the drivers and conductors.
Acting Chairman Pua said the help desk will also cater to all types of assistance to passengers relating to transportation such as fare discount, booking related problems and the availability of more units to prevent passengers from being stranded.
More than 1,200 buses were given special permits for Undas in line with the instruction of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. to ensure the comfortable and safe travel of Filipinos for Undas.
Acting Chairman Pua, on the other hand, said the LTFRB is also monitoring the status of passenger travel through social media, particularly those in relation to the violation of the road safety rules and regulations.
He advised bus operators and other PUV operators to provide the best services that they could provide to their passengers, as he warned of legal consequences for any violation.
Acting Chairman Pua said all RFROs are expected to submit reports of their actions during Undas travel, including the tally of violations of the CPC conditions in their respective areas.
“The objective of the report is for review, to learn more lessons intended to further improve our services to the Filipino people,” said Acting Chairman Pua.
