As Filipinos get ready to honor their departed loved ones this All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved 847 special permits for passenger buses to help ease the travel rush.

The move comes after instructions from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to ensure passenger safety and comfort, with guidance from the Department of Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez.

The special permits will cover 124 routes across Metro Manila and Luzon, mostly linking NCR bus terminals and transport hubs to provinces across the country.
Breakdown of Additional Bus Units:

• Metro Manila to Southern Luzon (Calabarzon & Mimaropa): 189 buses
• Metro Manila to Northern Luzon: 491 buses
• Metro Manila to Bicol Region: 67 buses
• Metro Manila to Eastern Visayas: 18 buses
• Metro Manila to Western Visayas: 21 buses
• Metro Manila to Mindanao: 5 buses
• Other routes in Luzon (excluding Metro Manila): 56 buses

The LTFRB will monitor the roadworthiness of buses and the readiness of drivers and conductors, conducting both regular and surprise inspections to ensure safe travel.

The “Undas” travel rush is expected to begin this weekend, as some schools have already declared a wellness break starting October 27.

Earlier this week, the LTFRB penalized 22 bus units from two companies for operating illegal terminals, showing the agency’s commitment to safe and orderly travel.

With the additional buses and heightened monitoring, authorities aim to make the annual exodus smoother and safer for millions of Filipinos heading to their hometowns to pay tribute to their departed loved ones.