THE LAND Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTRFB) XI is gearing up for Oplan Semana Santa 2024, an annual activity to accommodate concerns and intensify security for the riding public on Holy Week.
During the Habi at Kape forum on March 20, Tessa Alforque-Piansay, LTFRB XI Transportation Development Officer II, said they will initiate three activities, like the “filing of special permits for buses to place additional routes, intensifying of road monitoring, and the manning of terminal help desks.”
Piansay said they also coordinated with other agencies to regulate the influx of passengers.
Deanne Salcedo, LTFRB XI Legal Division admin associate, said the office issued 21 special permits from Feb. 26 to Mar. 8 based on the directives of the central office. Most permits issued were for buses traveling from Davao City to Tandag, Davao to Maragusan, Malita, and New Bataan.
“The duration of their special permits will be from Mar. 24 to 31 only, specifically for Oplan Semana Santa,” Salcedo said.
Salcedo added they issue additional permits on-site if there is a need to do so.
As for public utility vehicles (PUVs) utilized for family or private use, Salcedo stressed they should apply for special trip documents to support their operations for personal use.
LTFRB XI Enforcement head Don Villafuerte also urged passengers to go directly to assigned stations, particularly in Davao City Overland Transport Terminals and other terminals, as they will apprehend vehicles in non-pickup areas.
“We only have enough manpower to regulate huge terminals such as in Tagum, Davao, and van terminals in Davao City,” Villafuerte said.
He said most of the apprehended vehicles were in areas beside Buhangin Gym and DILG Matina. Sanctions such as an illegal terminal, breach of franchise condition, and a P5,000 penalty await those vehicles, he added.
LTFRB XI urged traveling passengers to be vigilant to ensure their safety and to contact the office through their hotlines for concerns.
