With the number of travelers expected to increase in the coming days due to the yearly observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has reactivated Oplan Ligtas Biyahe: Undas 2015 to ensure the safety and reliability of various modes of transport.
The Oplan anticipates the peak period of travel to run from October 30 to November 2, the transport department said in a statement.
DOTC has mandated all its attached agencies to implement 24/7 operations at their action centers in order to attend to passengers’ concerns. Additional security personnel and K-9 units will also be deployed at bus terminals, airports, and ports. First-aid and help desks will be put up, as well as mobile phone charging stations and additional seats.
The Maritime Industry Authority and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will conduct routine seaworthiness checks on ships, while the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is to conduct stricter security checks at port facilities. The PCG will continue monitoring and patrolling activities and will have rescue teams on stand-by.
For the air side, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is set to implement its Oplan beginning October 27 and run it for the next two weeks. MIAA has instructed airline companies to deploy additional personnel at check-in counters to fast track processing and prevent long queues, as up to 50,000 daily passengers are expected to fly during the holiday.
For its part, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) reminds airlines to abide by the policies of the Air Passenger Bill of Rights. It will also put up public assistance desks to help resolve any concerns or complaints of air passengers.
For the land side, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will issue special permits to buses so more vehicles can be deployed in order to meet the expected jump in passenger demand. Along with the Land Transportation Office, LTFRB has begun inspecting transport terminals to ensure all operating public utility buses meet roadworthiness requirements. At the same time, random drug and alcohol testing is to be done to guarantee that public vehicle drivers’ reflexes are not impeded by chemicals or alcohol while transporting passengers around.
The Toll Regulatory Board, meanwhile, reminds expressway operators to strictly implement traffic rules and regulations, especially those on speed limit, in order to avoid accidents. Toll operators will deploy roving teams to provide fast response to the needs of motorists.
Meanwhile, regular operations will be observed at the Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2, the Metro Rail Transit Line 3, and the Philippine National Railways.
