MANILA – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday said it granted 956 special permits for public utility vehicles (PUV) for the holiday season to address the expected increase in ridership.
In a statement, LTFRB Chair Teofilo Guadiz III said the permits would be valid from December 20 until January 10, 2025.
“We have approved 956 special permits for PUVs this Christmas and during the first 10 days of 2025. They are expected to cater to more commuters this holiday rush, ensuring efficient and safe travel to all,” Guadiz said.
He said the 956 permits were granted out of 988 applications and include different types of PUVs, especially buses for the increase in travel to and from the provinces.
“It aims to add more PUVs allowed to ply routes aside from their original routes to augment the available public transportation in areas where the movement of commuters are high during holidays,” he said.
He said the special permits would contribute to a “safer and merrier” holiday celebration.
“We ensure that other matters in terms of keeping them safe this Christmas, such as ensuring PUVs are safe to travel and terminals are efficient and convenient, will also be prioritized,” he said. (PNA)