MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has extended the special permit of holiday nonstop buses until Jan. 31 and will soon include them as additional routes for the premium point-to-point (P2P) bus service.

LTFRB Chair Winston Ginez said on Tuesday Froehlich Tours filed for an extension with a reduced fare of P55, from the previous P64 from SM North to Ayala, and P60 from TriNoma to Ayala.

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In a resolution signed on Dec. 23, 2015, the LTFRB cited the need to extend the special permits up to Jan. 31 for continuity of service. Ginez said the LTFRB would select the permanent operator on or before that date.

The Department of Transportation and Communications earlier approved the premium P2P bus service for six routes, which were bundled into three packages by the LTFRB: 1) Fairview to Makati and Ortigas to Makati, 2) Katipunan to Makati and Libis to Makati, and 3) Alabang to Makati and Alabang to Ortigas.

Ginez said applications would be accepted until Jan. 15 and three companies have so far expressed interest to participate. Five buses will be approved for each route package. Operators must prove financial capability of P10 million per unit.

The holiday bus routes (SM North to Glorietta 5, TriNoma to Glorietta 5 and SM Megamall to Glorietta 5) will be included as the fourth package, according to Ginez.

The transport agencies launched the premium bus service to encourage car owners to take public transport and ease traffic congestion.

In a survey of some 300 passengers in December, Ginez said 20 percent were car owners who shifted to the holiday nonstop buses. Eighty percent said it was convenient and all of them said they would ride it again.

Ridership was initially low but it went up after a week, especially during the rush hour, Ginez said.

On Thursday, Froehlich will showcase a double decker which it plans to use for the premium P2P bus service, according to Ginez. SFM

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