The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued special permits to 1,297 buses to handle the expected surge in passengers during Holy Week. LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the move ensures enough vehicles as Filipinos travel to provinces for religious observances. Government agencies are preparing for increased traffic and passenger volumes.
MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued special permits to 1,297 buses ahead of the Holy Week passenger surge. Chairman Vigor Mendoza II stated the approvals aim to provide sufficient transport as Filipinos travel to provinces. He noted higher commuter numbers this year, with some choosing public options amid rising fuel prices.
However, some Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) operators have cut trips to Batangas City, San Jose, Nueva Ecija, and Pangasinan due to high fuel costs, PITX spokesman Jason Salvador said. In Baguio City, bus firms reduced trips by 30 to 50 percent, leading to longer waits, according to BCPO-TEU chief Police Lt. Col. James Allen Dogao.
Other agencies are readying up. The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) expects 2.46 million seaport passengers, 50,000 more than last year. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) projects 6.5 million airport passengers from March 29 to April 5. North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) traffic remains normal but could rise by up to 3 percent, NLEX Corporation's Robin Ignacio said.
Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation launched its “Biyaheng Arangkada” program from March 27 to April 6 across key expressways. The Philippine Coast Guard raised alert levels with 17,000 personnel deployed, Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said. The Department of Health will implement a “code white alert” in hospitals from March 30 to April 6.
