LTFRB speeds up Undas permit processing

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is speeding up the processing of applications for special permits that the agency received for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day next month.

The LTFRB received 356 special permit applications covering a total of 1,003 units for routes in various parts of the country.

The agency said the number is higher than the 323 applications received for Undas 2025, which covered 847 units, indicating an anticipated influx of more passengers traveling to and from their home provinces for the break.

“We are reviewing all the data that we have to determine the appropriate number of passenger buses that will be given special permits,” Acting Chairman Greg Pua Jr. said.

“The goal has always been to have a sufficient number of buses as a huge number of our fellow countrymen go to their home provinces to honor their departed loved ones,” he added.

Pua stressed that the approval of the permits comes with a strict vetting process to determine the roadworthiness of passenger buses.

He said the requirement is necessary to ensure the safety of all passengers on board the buses, as well as other road users.

The LTFRB noted that its strict instructions to bus companies and transport operators are part of the application process to ensure the mental and physical readiness of their drivers.

The agency emphasized that operators can also be penalized for the reckless driving of their drivers.

The LTFRB tasked Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office personnel with monitoring the status of bus terminals and ensuring that operators comply with at least the basic facility requirements for passengers.