Suspended bus firm’s routes open for special permits

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has allowed bus operators with existing and valid franchises in the Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley and the Cordilleras to apply for special permits for the routes previously serviced by G.V. Florida.  

The move was to address the vacuum left by the suspension of the franchises of G.V. Florida following last February’s accident in Bontoc, Mt. Province that left 15 passengers dead and 31 others injured.

Board Resolution No. 03, Series of 2014 allows existing franchise grantees to apply for special permits to operate out of line on routes previously covered by G.V. Florida. 

It provides guidelines in allowing existing bus operators with good standing to operate outside their authorized routes under special permits within the period of suspension of G.V Florida.

The special permits will be valid until Sept. 11 or upon G.V Florida’s six-month conditional suspension is lifted. 

The LTFRB last month meted G.V Florida a conditional six-month suspension of its 28 franchises covering 188 units after the Bontoc tragedy.

LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said they were anticipating the surge of passengers on G.V. Florida’s routes during the Holy Week and the entire summer vacation.                 – With Charlie Lagasca