Here’s what commuters should know about the resumption of provincial bus operations

Commuters who’ve had a hard time getting in and out of the metro throughout this pandemic can now breathe a slight sigh of relief. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has just approved the resumption of provincial bus operations during general community quarantine and modified general community quarantine under Memorandum Circular 2020-051.

The public utility buses, however, will only ply modified routes and must of course be compliant with the government’s safety protocols. The LTFRB has also clarified that only buses with valid and existing Certificates of Public Convenience or Applications for Extension of Validity will be allowed to operate.

In addition, operators must secure a copy of a QR code from the agency. They must also install a global navigation satellite system in their bus units for monitoring purposes.

The 12 bus routes to be opened will only cover Regions III and IV-A. You can check out the list below for reference:

1. San Fernando, Pampanga – Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City
2. Batangas City, Batangas - Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX)
3. Lemery, Batangas – PITX
4. Lipa City, Batangas – PITX
5. Nasugbu, Batangas – PITX
6. Indang, Cavite – PITX
7. Mendez, Cavite – PITX
8. Tagaytay City, Cavite – PITX
9. Ternate, Cavite – PITX
10. Calamba City, Laguna – PITX
11. Siniloan, Laguna – PITX
12. Sta. Cruz, Laguna – PITX

Loading and unloading outside of the designated stopovers and terminals along these new routes is strictly prohibited. Passengers must bring a valid travel pass and ID, as well as other documents needed by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases  for them to be allowed on board. They must also bring written consent letters stating that they are willing to undergo COVID-19 testing and be placed under quarantine when the need arises.

According to the LTFRB’s announcement, the buses will be allowed to operate beginning September 30, 2020. You can check out the official Facebook post below for more details:

For more of our stories on the ongoing crisis, click here. For the latest news and updates on COVID-19, check out reportr.world/covid-19.