In line with the instruction of President Ferdinand โBongbongโ R. Marcos, Jr. to ensure safe and comfortable travel experience for โUndasโ, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), under the guidance of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, has set up more than 80 help desks in bus stations and other public land transportation hubs across the country.
Acting LTFRB Chairman Atty. Greg G. Pua, Jr. said the help desk was tasked to provide not only the basic information on travel schedules but also all the necessary assistance especially for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
โOur personnel manning the help desks were instructed to extend all the courtesy and assistance especially to those with special needs. Their presence in bus stations and transportation hubs serves as an assurance that all the transportation concerns of all our kababayan would be properly addressed,โ said Acting Chairman Pua.
โTheir presence must also compel operators of transportation stations and terminals to shape up and ensure that they comply with the basic facility requirements for the safety and comfort of the passengers,โ he added.
The setting up of help desks is in coordination with other government agencies such as the Philippine National Police which monitors peace and order in major transportation hubs.
Acting Chairman Pua said the presence of help desks is not only intended to address the concerns of the travelers in cases of emergency situations but also guarantees LTFRB action in any eventuality.
โOur help desks will also serve as the LTFRBโs eyes and ears in ensuring roadworthiness of the units and the mental and physical fitness of the drivers for long travel,โ said Acting Chairman Pua.
Millions of passengers are expected to troop to bus stations and other major transportation hubs to go to their home provinces for the All Saints Day and All Souls Day.
To ensure sufficient availability of public transportation, the LTFRB approves a special permit for more than 1,200 passenger buses.
Acting Chairman Pua urged the travelers not to hesitate in approaching the LTFRBโs help desk for all their concerns, including booking problems and even fare discount rules.
โHuwag po tayong magdalawang-isip na lumapit sa ating mga help desk. Inilagay po natin ang mga help desks para tugunan ang lahat ng inyong concerns sa biyahe, sila po ay ang inyong kakampi,โ said Acting Chairman Pua.
He said all the Regional Franchising and Reglatory Offices (RFROs) were instructed to submit regular report of the progress of the instruction to set up as many help desks in their respective areas of responsibility.
