LTFRB extends PUB permits for holidays

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has extended the validity of special permits for public utility buses (PUBs) to address the anticipated increase in the number of commuters travelling to the provinces for the holidays.

The LTFRB, in Board Resolution No. 101-2023, said the duration of the special permit will be from Dec. 15 to Jan. 14, 2024.

“To serve the best interest of the riding public, the board deems it necessary to review and amend the existing policy on the issuance of special permits for the 2023 holiday season, particularly on the duration of the permit to address the expected increase of travelers to the provinces,” the LTFRB said in its resolution.

Special permits that have been processed by the LTFRB will also have their validity extended.

Earlier this year, the LTFRB increased the number of buses that will be issued special permits during special holidays.

The number was increased to 30 percent of the total number of buses under the same route, while the age limit for the buses eligible for the permit was also extended to 14 years.

This was done to optimize the operations of bus operators and aid their recovery from the financial setbacks of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the LTFRB will also waive penalties for the application for extension of validity of expired franchises and non-submission of income tax return and audited financial statements of PUB operators.

The waiving of penalties will cover the year 2022, as well as certificates of public convenience with expiry dates from March 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2022.