THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued 268 special permits allowing buses traveling from Sapang Palay to pick up and drop off passengers along NIA Road in Quezon City.
The special permits allow buses traveling from Sapang Palay to pass through NIA Road, which provides easier access to the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3.
‘This needs to be done so passengers don’t have to walk very far, especially if they’re transferring to the MRT 3,’ Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said in a statement on Wednesday.
‘The long walk just to catch a ride is difficult for passengers. It’s especially hard for seniors and PWDs. That’s why bus stops should be closer to the MRT so they can transfer easily.’
Lopez said he personally experienced the difficulty of commuting due to changes in pick-up and drop-off points, giving him a firsthand understanding of commuters’ struggles.
The buses will operate on a loop route from Sapang Palay, passing through Commonwealth Avenue, East Avenue, Internal Road, NIA Road, and back. While the buses may now load and unload passengers on NIA Road, they are strictly prohibited from staying idle or using the area as a terminal.
Lopez has ordered the deployment of four Coast Guard personnel and four Land Transportation Office (LTO) traffic enforcers in the area. Buses will be limited to a three-minute stay on NIA Road and must immediately proceed with their route.
Buses are also prohibited from honking excessively to avoid disturbing nearby residential buildings and offices.
Starting this October, buses will be allowed to use NIA Road during rush hours from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The arrangement may be adjusted or made permanent depending on assessments next month.