In a recent update from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), some provincial bus routes to and from Metro Manila may be reopened in the coming weeks.
LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra said the agency is preparing for the reopening this month of some provincial bus routes originating from and ending in the National Capital Region as the metropolis eases into a more lenient community quarantine status.
Resuming provincial bus operations in and out of Metro Manila has become possible as some provincial governments have agreed to reopen their borders to accommodate cross-province public transportation.
Out of 81 provinces nationwide, at least three have initially agreed to accommodate cross-border travel from Metro Manila, including Antique, Quirino and Bataan.
Delgra said agreements with the local government units (LGUs) need to be secured first before provincial bus operations to their areas could be allowed to resume. Some provinces still oppose reopening their borders, especially to travelers from Metro Manila, considered the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Public transport from Metro Manila to the provinces require us to coordinate with LGUs concerned. They receive these passengers. Since we are in the context of the pandemic, LGUs also need to be prepared on how to handle arriving and departing passengers,” Delgra said.
It has been six months since the government enforced a full shutdown of transportation services but it has gradually reopened some operations on a limited capacity.
Some interprovincial and inter-regional routes have been opened in regions outside Metro Manila.
With additional reports: The Philippine Star, Romina Cabrera
Photo source: PNA , CTTO
