The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to increase the maximum number of public utility buses (PUB) by issuing more permits and allowing older PUBs to ply the roads during the holidays. In a statement on Wednesday, the LTFRB announced the issuance of Memorandum Circular 2023-024 that extends 'the year model of PUB units to be allowed for issuance of special permit during special holidays from 10 years to a maximum of 14 years old.' It also increases the amount that may receive a special permit during holidays 'from 25 percent to 30 percent of the total number of units of the applicant under the same route.' 'However, it will be the discretion of the Board to deny the application when the same would result in the abandonment of route,' it said. The policy will take effect beginning Aug. 14. LTFRB chair Teofilo Guadiz III said the policy would allow more Filipinos to go home during holidays such as Christmas and Holy Week. 'By allowing more PUBs to ply routes such as those going to the provinces, it will provide commuters with more convenience going home,' Guadiz said. Under the old Memorandum Circular 2015-008 and Board Resolution No. 052, series of 2018-both superseded by the new memorandum-PUB units with special permits should not be more than 10 years old and the number of those issued with these permits should not exceed 25 percent of the total authorized units of an operator.
Source: Philippines News Agency
