Sec. Bautista’s order: ensure CASSA service during undas 2024

The Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) four sectors must ensure passengers are given comfortable, affordable, safe, secure and accessible service during the Undas season. 

Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said DOTr has activated the Oplan Biyaheng Ayos to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers who will flock to terminals to travel to their home provinces. 

“Every peak season mayroon kaming Oplan Biyaheng Ayos. Ang objective natin dito ay mabigyan ang mga pasahero ng CASSA service,” Sec. Bautista said during his inspection at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX). 

“‘Yan ang guidance namin sa mga agencies under the DOTr,” he added. 

According to the transport chief, the DOTr is coordinating with various government agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and PITX management to ensure the safety of passengers. 

While terminals are expected to be cramped by passengers in the aftermath to typhoon Kristine, Sec. Bautista said the situation is still manageable. 

“Talagang napakaraming gustong magbiyahe. Yung iba, naapektuhan yung biyahe nila because of the typhoon kaya nagsabay-sabay. Pero it’s still manageable,” he noted. 

For its part, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), as of October 15, has issued 298 special permits for 796 buses going to the provinces. 

LTFRB Chair Teofilo Guadiz added that more special permits will be issued in the coming days. 

“Lalaki pa ‘yan as the days go by. Sa bawat major terminal may taga-LTFRB na magi-issue ng special permit sa mga areas na kukulangin yung buses na ba-biyahe,” Chair Guadiz said.