Things you need to know about the resumption of provincial bus operations

Romar Fernando

September 30, 2020

• 

  Photo Credit: Top Gear Philippines

  Gradual opening—that’s how the national government describes it.

  Since June 2020, when the government gradually eased some community restrictions all over the country, it was also a continuing resumption of businesses, offices, church services and one of the badly hit sector—transportation.

  First, tricycles were allowed by the local government units to ply local roads. City buses on their provisional routes has resumed to fetch passengers across the metro. Sooner, it was an overwhelming chance for jeepney drivers to rebuild their lives and continue earning for their families.

   

  12 MODIFIED PROVINCIAL BUS ROUTES SA REGIONS 3 & 4A, MAGBUBUKAS SIMULA SETYEMBRE 30

  Labindalawang (12) modified…

  Posted by Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board – LTFRB on Saturday, September 26, 2020

   

   

  Now, the long wait is over for provincial bus operators and drivers. Starting today, September 30, 2020, the Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is allowing provincial buses to resume operations. But still, just like the others, it is limited to 12 provisional routes in the Central Luzon and CaLaBaRZon regions.

  San Fernando, Pampanga – Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City

  Batangas City, Batangas – Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX)

  Lemery, Batangas – PITX

  Lipa City, Batangas – PITX

  Nasugbu, Batangas – PITX

  Indang, Cavite – PITX

  Mendez, Cavite – PITX

  Tagaytay City, Cavite – PITX

  Ternate, Cavite – PITX

  Calamba City, Laguna – PITX

  Siniloan, Laguna – PITX

  Sta. Cruz, Laguna – PITX

  For the interest of passengers, well, it is clear that you cannot reach that far in the north or south by commuting. Also, travelling from the province is not anymore easy for now.

  

  Photo Credit: Jam Liner Bus

  Basic safety protocols are still up. Everyone is required to wear face mask, face shield, and maintain hygiene for safety of fellow passengers.

  For passengers to be allowed on board, they must bring valid identification cards and travel pass and documents required by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) like employment certificates or medical papers. Aside from the identification documents, a passenger is required to bring a consent letter stating that they are willing to undergo swab testing or be placed under quarantine if the need arises. Employees are exempted to bring any travel pass.

  Though having a hard time getting in and out of Metro Manila, passengers deserve to be less worried about the vehicle they are going to board.

  

  Photo Credit: Business Mirror

  That’s why, public utility buses will only operate on modified routes set by the LTFRB. They are required to be compliant with the government’s safety protocols and to have their valid and existing Certificates of Public Convenience or Applications for Extension of Validity.

  Aside from the basic requirements, operators are required to install global navigation satellite system (GPS) in their bus units and must secure a copy of a QR code from the LTFRB. This ensures that bus units are well-monitored in safety and in location. Buses are just allowed to load and unload passengers on the designated areas along the route.

  Fore more details, check out the official Facebook page of the LTFRB.

  Travel safe!

• COMMENTS