The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will begin accepting applications for special permits for the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day travel season on September 21, as part of early preparations for the expected surge in passengers during Undas.
The application period will run until October 2, giving LTFRB personnel enough time to review documents and assess the roadworthiness of passenger buses and other public transportation units. The special permits will be valid from October 28 to November 6.
Acting LTFRB Chairman Atty. Greg G. Pua Jr. said the early preparations aim to ensure safe and comfortable travel for Filipinos returning to their home provinces to honor their departed loved ones.
“This is an annual travel for a large number of our kababayan and on the part of the LTFRB, our early preparations are intended to ensure their safe and comfortable travel to and from their home provinces,” Pua said.
He added that the agency’s goal is to prevent passengers from being stranded by ensuring sufficient public transportation during the peak travel period.
Among the requirements are the unit’s Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration (OR/CR), valid Personal Passenger Accident Insurance (PPAI), and authorization documents for juridical entities.
The LTFRB said only 50% of an operator’s total authorized units per route may be applied for, while units must be no more than 14 years old from the date of manufacture. Applicants must also indicate the specific terminal addresses at both ends of the route.
Pua also assured applicants of fair processing, emphasizing that there should be no “palakasan system” in the application process. Last year, more than 800 passenger buses were granted special permits for the Undas season.
