LTFRB to open over 100 ‘modified’ routes ahead of class opening

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 11) — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said Thursday that it will open more than 100 “modified” routes before class opening on August 22.

“Before the opening of classes on August 22, we will issue the memorandum circular on these new routes or ‘modified’ routes as we will call it to address the need for more buses and vehicles for the face-to-face classes,” said LTFRB chairperson Cheloy Garafil in a briefing after the second hearing on the fare hike petitions for public utility buses.

“Kasama po ang jeepney at tsaka UV Express doon sa ire-reopen natin na mga ruta,” she added.

[Translation: Jeepneys and UV Express are included in the routes that we will reopen.]

The agency said the routes that will be opened are near the University Belt and other areas near schools.

Moreover, Garafil said the LTFRB will also coordinate with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to address the traffic as students prepare to go back to school.

The MMDA said the volume of vehicles along EDSA could balloon up to 436,000 as limited face-to-face classes will open in two weeks.