LTFRB issues special permits to 1,131 buses for Undas 2026

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued special permits to 1,131 passenger buses to accommodate the expected influx of travelers during the Undas break.

The agency said 384 applications covering the 1,131 buses had been approved so far. Another 28 applications covering around 90 buses are still under review.

“Our approval mechanisms include stringent review of the units that will be given special permits to ensure they are indeed safe for long travels. The safety of passengers and other road users must not be compromised,” LTFRB acting chairperson Greg Pua Jr. said in a statement.

The LTFRB said the approved special permits cover routes to and from Manila and key urban areas in Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

Of the approved permits, 402 buses will serve routes between Metro Manila and Northern Luzon, while 290 will ply routes between Metro Manila and Central Luzon.

Another 185 buses will serve routes between Metro Manila and Southern Luzon, while 61 will operate between the capital region and the Bicol Region, the agency said.

The LTFRB also approved permits for 19 buses serving routes between Metro Manila and Eastern Visayas, 13 for routes to Western Visayas, and 10 for routes to Mindanao.

The agency earlier said it had granted special permits to up to 1,300 public utility vehicles, including minibuses and passenger vans.

Meanwhile, the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) is expecting around 1.9 million passengers this year amid the anticipated exodus for the All Saints’ Day (Undas) break.

PITX spokesperson Jason Salvador said the influx of passengers is expected to begin next week. —VBL, GMA News