LTFRB to accept PUV 'special permits' next week

Following the influx of commuters for the holiday season, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) shared that it will start accepting applications for special permits on public utility vehicles.

Over the weekend, LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III announced that the application for the special permits will be opened starting December 15, which will only be effective from December 20, 2024-January 4, 2025.

"Like the usual practice, we are opening slots for special permits to ensure that there are ample PUVs that would cater to our riding public during the holidays," Guadiz explained.

In addition, the LTFRB chief disclosed that the agency already approved 5,000 slots for Transport Network Vehicle Services.

Further, Guadiz also urged commuters to remain vigilant and to plan their travels ahead.

“Please patronize legitimate public transportation, follow safety protocols, and report any overcharging, overloading, or other violations through our official hotlines and channels,” he noted.

Relatedly, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista reminded Grab Philippines’ partner-drivers and merchants to ensure the safety and security of their customers.

“Kailangan po ng safety dito sa ating transport sector. Hindi po pwedeng pabayaan na ma-compromise ‘yung safety natin (Safety is needed here in our transport sector. We cannot let safety be compromised),” Bautista said in separate event.

"'Yun driver ng Grab, siguraduhin natin na maayos ang serbisyo na extend natin sa mga pasahero (Grab drivers, make sure that the service we extend to passengers is good),” he noted.

Bautista also acknowledged that Grab contributes to the country’s economic growth by providing jobs to Filipinos.

“Laging isipin natin ang binebenta natin ay service kaya kailangan magkaroon sila (passengers) ng magandang experience — from the start they book their trip until dumating sila sa kanilang destination (We should keep in mind that that what we offer to passengers is service, so they must have a good experience — from the start they book their trip until they arrive to their destination),” he added.

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