LTFRB grants special permit for LRT-2 bus augmentation

MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved special permits for 20 buses to ease congestion along the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2).

In a statement, the LTFRB said 10 of the buses will ply the Antipolo-Legarda route, passing through Marcos Highway, E. Rodriguez, and España Boulevard.

The other 10, meanwhile, will run from Antipolo to Cubao, passing through Marcos Highway and P. Tuazon. 

Acting LTFRB Chairman Atty. Greg Pua, Jr. said the special permits were issued for more public transportation options, as more passengers use the LRT-2.

“The LTFRB shares the same goal of providing alternative modes of transportation for the LRT-2 passengers, especially during the morning and afternoon rush hours, who just want to go to their work and back home as early as possible,” he said.

Earlier this week, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) rolled out a 20-bus trial run to relieve severe commuter bottlenecks along LRT-2.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon noted that LRT-2 is currently operating at its maximum limit of 10 train sets due to long-standing maintenance backlogs and aging rolling stock.

He also noted that buying new train cars is not an immediate option, as transit officials estimate acquisition will take three to four years, alongside budgetary constraints.