Senator calls for reconsideration of new provincial bus scheme

A SENATOR on Wednesday urged transport authorities and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to reconsider the new scheme that limits provincial buses to designated terminals.   

The new policy, which started April 20 for a two-week trial run, prohibits provincial buses without QR codes and special permits from going to and from their respective Metro Manila terminals outside the window hours of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.  

“Let’s give our commuters decent and affordable alternatives for them to travel in Metro Manila within business hours,” said Senator Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva in a statement.  

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on Wednesday said the “window hour scheme” imposed by the MMDA is only for provincial buses using EDSA to reach their private terminals in the capital region.   

It said buses can still ply their provincial routes at any time, but they will have to conclude the trip at common transport hubs such as the North Luzon Express Terminal and the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange on the southern side of Metro Manila.   

“Ample time should be given to commuters before implementing the new scheme so they can adjust to the new schedule,” Mr. Villanueva said. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan