Over 700 special bus permits still up for approval for BSKE, Undas

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 21) – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is working on the special permits for travel of 767 buses for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) and Undas.

“Yung 767 ‘yun na ‘yung nakita natin na pumasa sa requirements upon evaluation so for consideration na siya ng board,” LTFRB Technical Division Head Joel Bolano told CNN Philippines on Saturday.

[Translation: 767 buses passed the requirements upon the evaluation, so it is for consideration of the board.]

The LTFRB earlier announced that the special bus permits are effective from Oct. 20 to Nov. 6, which is longer than its usual four-day validity in the previous years.

Bolano said the adjustment was due to the BSKE set on Oct. 30.

He added that some travelers also prefer going to their provinces in advance and delaying their trips back to Metro Manila to avoid the travel rush.

Bolano also said the transport regulator is open to issue additional special permits if necessary.

“May mga personnel na tayo na naka-deploy lalo na sa matataas na capacity na terminal,” Bolano said. “Para safe, kasama na rin po ‘yung pag-i-inspect ng terminals para sa facility at pag-i-inspect ng units.”

[Translation: We have personnel deployed especially in high-capacity terminals. To be safe, our personnel will also inspect the facilities and bus units.]

Meanwhile, the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange said it needs at least 2,000 more buses as it expects about 1.6 million passengers during the BSKE and Undas.

CNN Philippines's Currie Cator and Celine Serquiña contributed to this story.