Are you ready for the return of provincial buses?

Ever since the lockdowns back in March 2020, one of the hardest-hit industries is the public transport sector. As of current, very few select buses are allowed to ply the national roads from Manila to Baguio. 

Also, until now, there are no direct trips to and from Manila and Pangasinan and it has spawned an underground colorum carpooling community as exposed by a recent report by ABS-CBN. For quite some time, this was able to fill a huge need for people to either go to Manila or go home to their families in Pangasinan.

However, because of the absence of regulations, serious problems began to sprout, such as overpricing (up to Php1200 per person one way) and the most serious violation- traveling without proper documents. In order to entice customers to book a trip, drivers or bookers would promise “No Need ng Travel Pass” or “Ako ang bahala sa iyo.” Unfortunately, the unsuspecting passengers were reported to be left stranded at checkpoints because they couldn't produce any travel pass.

There were also cases of misunderstandings, last-minute cancellations, no-shows, and even death threats from offended passengers/drivers. 

These issues may come to an end as the return of inter-provincial buses travel to various provinces, is supported by the provincial government of Pangasinan.

Pangasinan Governor Amado 'Pogi' Espino III wrote to the land transportation franchising and regulatory board (LTFRB) requesting to allow the operation of provincial buses.

They are currently waiting for the LTFRB central office permit to be released before provincial buses can travel.

Source: PIO Pangasinan