House probe sought on window hour scheme for provincial buses
A PARTY-LIST group on Monday filed a House resolution urging the transportation committee to probe the window hour scheme imposed on provincial buses, citing the “significant delay and inconvenience” it causes to commuters.
“The window-hour scheme imposed on provincial bus operators has greatly caused undue hassle and burden to thousands of commuters relying on public transport,” Bayan Muna Party-list representatives said in House Resolution 2562.
The policy set by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) restricts provincial bus companies from using their own terminals within Metro Manila outside the window hours of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. to help alleviate road congestion in the capital region.
Buses can still serve their provincial routes outside those hours but will have to use designated transport hubs such as the Araneta Bus Port, Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, Valenzuela Gateway Complex, North Luzon Express Terminal.
Fees are charged for the use of these terminals.
Several bus companies have opted not to operate outside the window hours, limiting their trips to when they are allowed to use their own terminals.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has said it will issue show-cause orders to the companies for failing to meet their public service obligations.
“As representatives of the people, members of Congress must ensure that government policies serve the best interest of our people, especially in this time of crisis aggravated by the pandemic gravely hit hard our already suffering people,” the solons said.
The resolution was signed by Bayan Muna Representatives Ferdinand R. Gaite, Carlos Isagani T. Zarate, and Eufemia C. Cullamat. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan
