LTFRB issues special permits for 20 buses to augment LRT-2 passenger services

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The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued special permits for 20 buses to provide additional transport services for commuters of Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2).

The buses will serve two major routes as part of an augmentation program aimed at addressing the growing number of LRT-2 passengers, particularly at major stations.

LTFRB acting chairman Greg Pua Jr. said the issuance of special permits was in response to an initiative by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to ensure adequate public transportation amid increasing passenger demand.

“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” Pua said in a news release.

LRT-2 operates between Antipolo City in Rizal and Recto Station in Manila, serving as a major transportation link for students and workers traveling between the province and the capital.

Pua said the bus services would help reduce commuters' transportation costs by eliminating the need to take additional rides, such as tricycles, to reach their destinations, as the routes would pass through common destinations like schools and workplaces.

Based on the special permit approved by the LTFRB, 10 units will ply the Antipolo City, Rizal to Legarda, Manila route via Marcos Highway, E. Rodriguez, and España Boulevard, while another 10 units will serve the Antipolo City to Cubao, Quezon City route via Marcos Highway and P. Tuazon.

Half of these authorized units will be dedicated to bus augmentation services starting from the LRT-2 Antipolo Station in Masinag to alleviate commuter congestion caused by the current limited number of operational LRT-2 trainsets.

The Legarda route is via Marcos Highway, E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue and España Boulevard, while the Cubao route is via Marcos Highway and P. Tuazon Boulevard.

The dedicated Masinag services will utilize designated bus stops for orderly boarding and alighting.

The Masinag – Legarda service, on the other hand, will improve access to Trinity College and University Belt schools, including the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Far Eastern University (FEU), and University of the East (UE).

Meanwhile, the Masinag–Cubao service will bring passengers closer to EDSA Busway and MRT-3 stations, making transfers more convenient and improving access to other destinations along EDSA.

Travelers heading to key medical institutions along E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue—including St. Luke’s Medical Center–Quezon City, De Los Santos Medical Center, and the National Children’s Hospital—stand to benefit significantly. —LDF, GMA News