DOTr activates ‘Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2017’

Philippine Transport Secretary, Arthur Tugade on August 2017 (Photo By United States Embassy in Manila – United States Embassy in Manila – Facebook, Public Domain)

MANILA — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has activated “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2017” in preparation for the commemoration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day next week.

Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2017 will be implemented from Oct. 30 to Nov. 6 wherein transport agencies will carry out initiatives that would provide assistance to motorists and passengers.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has directed all offices of the department and its attached agencies to be on heightened alert to ensure the safety and security of passengers who will troop to the provinces during Undas.

Transport terminals, booths and counters should be manned at all times during the monitored travel period to ensure the safety of passengers, as well as prevent long queues and other untoward incidents.

They were likewise directed to communicate accidents and emergencies in real time and maintain all hotlines and feedback mechanisms fully operational.

Public advisories, such as safety tips, common types of violations at expressways, and safety and security regulations in airports, seaports, and other transportation hubs, shall be issued. Tarpaulins bearing emergency and hotline numbers will be posted in conspicuous areas within the agency’s jurisdiction.

For its part, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued special permits to 948 buses that will service passengers going to the provinces for the All Saints’ Day commemoration.

The special permits will be valid from Oct.

30 to Nov. 3, according to LTFRB board member and spokesperson, Aileen Lizada.

Data from the LTFRB show that Northern Luzon has the most number of units approved at 557, followed by Southern Luzon with 274, Bicol with 93, Visayas with 22, and Mindanao with two.

The Board will inspect provincial terminals along Epifanio de los Santos Ave. (EDSA) on Monday.

“We aim to inspect terminals if they provide facilities, such as seats with comfortable backrest and good ventilation at waiting areas, well-maintained restrooms that are free and accessible to PWDs, priority lane, among others. We would also want to check if there are adequate security personnel and help desks to address the concerns of passengers,” Lizada said in a text message to reporters.

DOTr attached agencies and offices were instructed to submit a post-Undas report for evaluation.