More public utility buses (PUBs) have been allowed to operate starting Friday until Nov. 6 to accommodate the influx of passengers in time for Undas and the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Public Information Officer Rowena Dincol said bus operators have asked for special permits for 767 PUBs to operate during this period.

“Ngayong araw po magre-release ng special permit at effective na rin po ito today (We will release the special permit today that will be effective beginning this day),” Dincol said in a message to reporters.

The release of special permits aims to increase PUBs operating nationwide.

“Sa pamamagitan ng pinalawig na bisa ng special permit, mas matutugunan na ang kakulangan sa mga pampublikong sasakyan sa mga nasabing araw kung kailan tiyak na dagsa ang mga komyuter (Through the special permits, we will better address the lack of public transport during the said dates when there will surely be an influx of commuters),” Dincol said.

Earlier, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority also bared its traffic management plans to alleviate the expected heavier traffic congestion during the same period up to the end of the holiday season.

These measures include a temporary suspension of excavation activities in the National Capital Region, traffic management plans from shopping mall operators, having a scheduled window for mall-wide sales and deliveries, and the extension of working hours of traffic enforcers. (PNA)