A group of provincial bus operators is renewing its plea to use terminals in Metro Manila, saying the multi-year ban has hurt their finances and allowed the “proliferation” of colorum operators that have taken over their routes.
In a statement, Nagkakaisang Samahan ng mga Nangangasiwa ng Panlalawigang Bus ng Pilipinas said it was urging the COVID-19 inter-agency task force to roll back the restrictions earlier imposed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
The rule was imposed by the LTFRB in memorandum circular No. 2019-031, which ordered provincial bus operators to use centralized transport hubs in designated points within Metro Manila or its outlying areas.
This was aimed at removing bus terminals along Edsa to “help decongest the worsening traffic situation,” the circular showed.
In its statement, Nagkakaisang Samahan ng mga Nangangasiwa ng Panlalawigang Bus ng Pilipinas said the restrictions meant they could use just 10 percent of their fleets.
Referring to its members, the group said they “have state franchises, pay their registration and business permits, and have been operating above the ground. They are losing out to illegal vehicles.”
“Bus owners want the government to allow them to operate their private terminals in Metro Manila because they have facilities that could be helpful to passengers and their employees,” the group said.
“Drivers have a place where they can sleep before and after their trips,” it added.
The operators also lamented their disadvantage against colorum operators.
“Unfranchised vehicles do not follow loading capacity, charge unconscionable fares, and fail to comply with minimum health standards. Moreover, they do not pay taxes, do not register themselves, and do not issue receipts to constitute the underground economy,” the group said.