LTFRB opens 7 provincial bus routes

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has opened seven more provincial bus routes from Metro Manila to Western Visayas.

A total of 221 buses were allowed to serve the provincial routes going to Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Iloilo starting on Nov. 18.

These routes are Kalibo and Malay in Aklan; San Jose in Antique; Roxas City in Capiz, and Estancia, Iloilo City and Miag-ao in Iloilo.

All bus routes end at the Sta. Rosa Integrated Terminal in Laguna.

A total of 27 provincial bus routes have been opened by the LTFRB since public transportation resumed with limited passenger capacity in June.

The transport regulator said only authorized buses with certificates of public convenience and personal passenger insurance policy would be allowed to resume operations.

The bus operators need to print out QR codes in lieu of the special permit.

The LTFRB reminded bus drivers and passengers to follow health protocols such as wearing of face masks and shields.

Passengers should avoid talking and eating in public utility vehicles.

Proper ventilation should be observed and no passengers with COVID-19 symptoms should be allowed.