Anticipating millions of passengers returning from and leaving for their provinces over the weekend, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has stepped up efforts to ensure the roadworthiness of public utility vehicles, especially buses.

On Friday, LTFRB Chairman Atty. Vigor Mendoza II tasked all regional directors to conduct bus and other vehicle inspections to ensure passenger safety, according to a report by RH 5 Val Gonzales.

Regional directors were instructed to carry out random or surprise inspections at bus and transport terminals to ascertain the compliance of bus companies and transport operators. The transport agency also reminded the public to stay safe and observe travel safety rules.

Mendoza said these measures are intended to prevent accidents that could lead to traffic congestion.

Meanwhile, passengers have begun to flock to the bus terminals along EDSA in Cubao, Quezon City. Notably, a majority are leaving Metro Manila after having vacationed in the area, and are now heading home to their provinces.

Moreover, many are travelling to distant provinces such as the Bicol region, with large numbers seen at Superlines and DLTB bus terminals. Others are bound for MIMAROPA and the Visayas region.

The management of Victory Liner, said they have deployed additional bus units ahead of the expected surge of passengers travelling back to Metro Manila this weekend.