THE LAND Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) XI has expedited special permits for 12 additional Bachelor Express buses to service the Davao–Santo Tomas route, following complaints from commuters about dilapidated conditions and overcrowding.
In a public advisory on Friday, Oct. 9, the LTFRB XI said it coordinated with Bachelor Express, the operator serving the route, after commuters raised concerns about the quality and availability of service.
Complaints cited leaks in some units during rainy weather, damaged or broken seats, windows and doors, and overcrowding during trips. “The additional units are expected to help provide commuters with more transportation options and ease the pressure brought about by high passenger demand,” the agency said.
The complaints were raised by Santo Tomas Municipal Councilor Joshua Bebis during a hearing in the Sangguniang Bayan of Santo Tomas on Oct. 7.
Bachelor Express then filed Special Permits (SPs) for 12 additional units to run on the Davao–Santo Tomas and Santo Tomas–Davao routes.
LTFRB XI said it fast-tracked the processing and release of the permits so the buses could augment existing service and give commuters more options and ease pressure from high passenger demand.
Bebis, who brought the commuters’ concerns to the attention of authorities, thanked LTFRB XI and Bachelor Express in an official statement on Friday.
The councilor said the 12 additional units “a welcome development” that may improve service availability and ease passenger demand along the route.
He also thanked Bachelor Express Inc. Davao and its management for acknowledging the operational challenges of public transportation, including vehicle maintenance.
He said he hopes the added units will be accompanied by continued attention to the condition, safety, and comfort of the buses.
“I hope that the additional bus units will translate into better service for our commuters and that the concerns regarding bus conditions, passenger capacity, and trip reliability will continue to receive proper attention,” Bebis said.
