LTFRB: Over 1,000 additional PUVs granted special permits for Holy Week 2024

More than 1,000 public utility vehicles (PUVs) have received special permits to ply their routes and serve as augmentation transport for the anticipated influx of commuters during Holy Week.

In a statement on Friday, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said a total of 1,021 PUVs had received special permits as of Wednesday.

“The LTFRB issues special permits during special occasions, including Holy Week, to maximize the operations of PUVs as the influx of passengers traveling to their home provinces is expected to increase before, during, and after the Holy Week,” LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III said.

“This is also to ensure safe and secured travel for our Filipino commuters,” he added.

The LTFRB said special permits would be issued to select PUVs around the country until April 14.

With the goal of ensuring smooth and safe travel during Holy Week, the LTFRB and the Land Transportation Office will conduct an inspection of PUVs at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) on March 25.

Help desks will be set up, and random checks on PUVs will be conducted at the terminal. Drivers and conductors will be subject to random drug testing.

“I have already instructed all LTO officials to coordinate with the local government units and other agencies on road safety measures. I am also expecting our local officials to further intensify the roadworthiness inspections of passenger buses before they leave the bus terminals as part of our action to ensure the safety of the commuters,” LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza said. 

Mendoza also appealed to motorists to have the registration of their motor vehicles renewed before they go out for long trips this Holy Week and on summer vacation.  

“This is actually part of the roadworthiness measures since vehicle inspection is part of the renewal process,” he said. 

Guadiz said precautionary steps are already in place to address the possible surge of passengers.

The LTFRB will be on alert from March 22, or Friday before Holy Week, until April 11, Thursday.

“Nakaalerto po ang LTFRB, kasama po ang ating mga regional offices at may mga nakaantabay po silang angkop na security at safety measures sa kani-kanilang regions,” LTFRB spokesperson Celine Pialago said.

(The LTFRB, along with our regional offices, is on alert. Appropriate security and safety measures are in place in the different regions.)

“So mayroon po tayong deployed LTFRB personnel para sa public assistance po ng ating pasahero (So we have LTFRB personnel deployed for public assistance to our passengers),” she added.

This year’s Holy Week celebration begins on March 24, Palm Sunday, and ends on March 31, Easter Sunday. — with Jiselle Anne Casucian/VDV/VBL, GMA Integrated News