Traveling for Christmas? LTFRB opens 7 Manila to Western Visayas bus routes

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) opens seven (7) routes to Region VI (Western Visayas) and back to Metro Manila for the travel of 221 provincial buses starting Wednesday, 18 November 2020.

This is in accordance with Memorandum Circular No. 2020-051-C released by the agency on 16 November 2020.

These are the Manila to Western Visayas bus routes effective November 18, 2020:

The agency reiterates that there will be no fare hike on such provincial buses, unless ordered by the LTFRB.

Roadworthy PUVs can travel with a valid and existing Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) or Application for Extension of Validity, and each unit must be registered in the Personal Passenger Insurance Policy on the routes contained in the MC.

In lieu of the Special Permit (SP), a QR Code will be issued to each operator which must be placed on short bond paper and posted on PUV.

To get the QR code, simply send a request to LTFRB FACEBOOK PAGE for the QR code, along with the following information: name, mode (e.g. PUJ, UVE, etc), case, license plate or chassis number.

In addition, the following “7 Commandments” will be strictly enforced on all public transportation, as recommended by health experts:

1) Always wear a face mask and face shield;
2) It is forbidden to speak and talk on the phone;
3) It is forbidden to eat;
4) Always maintain proper and adequate ventilation in PUVs;
5) Always perform disinfection;
6) Passengers with COVID-19 symptoms are prohibited from boarding public transportation; at
7) Always follow the physical distancing rule (“one-seat apart” rule).

The LTFRB also reminds Provincial Buses operators and drivers to follow the agency's policies. Anyone caught violating the MC's provisions will be subject to the appropriate penalties, such as fines and removal of their CPC or PA.

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This post originally appeared at https://emongsjournals.blogspot.com