PUB route rationalization plan won't congest EDSA

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on Wednesday denied allegations that the Memorandum Circular, rationalizing routes of provincial public utility bus (PUB) will result in traffic congestion along EDSA.

“Sa aming pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga affected na provinvincial bus operators, nabuo namin ang implementing guidelines para i-rationalize ang mga existing routes at upang makapagtalaga ng sapat na mga bilang ng units para sa ruta na maraming pasaherong sumasakay,” LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said.

Ginez added that the move is to have a nationwide rationalization of all provincial routes.

“Last week, our population has reached 100 million. This is a clear indication that there are many growth areas, not only around Metro Manila but in other provinces as well. With this rationalization of routes, we will be able to solve the out of line issues that have been illegally practised by some PUB operators,"Ginez said.

In issuing the MC,  the Board said it addresses the out of line operations of provincial buses by rationalizing the routes and ensure that there are enough number of authorized units in a particular route and weed out colorum buses not only in Metro Manila but all over the country

In connection with the rationalization of routes, no new Certificate of Public Convenience or franchises will be issued to bus operators.

Provincial bus operators are more in-step of the changing patterns of travelling demand, they will be allowed to file a petition to modify existing authorized routes to meet current and future passenger needs. 

They can file a petition to amend the authorized routes either by shortening or lengthening them depending on the passenger demand.    

Under the guidelines, bus operators must maintain its own passenger terminal or common passenger bus terminal in the origin and destination points of their proposed modified routes.

The MC is  also implementing the “prior operator” rule which means that before permitting a new operator to invade the territory of another operator, the prior operator must first be given the opportunity to extend its service in order to meet public need.

However, where public interest would be better served by admitting a new operator, as when the prior operator has failed to render adequate, sufficient and satisfactory service, the “prior operator” rule shall not apply.

In amending their routes, the bus operator must not totally abandon its authorized routes. The modification of routes shall be subject to the establishment of Integrated Transport System (ITS) of the government.

Bus operators are given up until August 15 to apply for the modification of their routes. The 120-day grace period for LTFRB to resolve all applications is until October 17.