332 buses given special permits to ply Undas routes; 6 flunk roadworthiness tests

..More than 300 buses have been given special permits to deviate from their normal routes to ply popular provincial routes for the yearly Undas (All Saints' and All Souls' Days) exodus. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board issued the 332 special permits even as some 500 more applications are still pending, radio dzBB's Paulo Santos reported Tuesday. LTFRB chairman Jaime Jacob was quoted in the report as saying this would help meet the demand for transportation to the provinces as Filipinos go to their home provinces to pay their respects to their dearly departed. Jacob said the special permits had been issued since October 25 and will be effective until November 5, when people return from the provinces. 6 province-bound buses grounded after flunking test Meanwhile, at least six buses bringing passengers to the provinces were grounded in Metro Manila after flunking a roadworthiness test at a bus terminal in Metro Manila Tuesday. The LTFRB had tested 19 buses, 13 of which passed, radio dzBB's Allan Gatus reported. Joel Donato of the LTO Metro Manila unit was quoted as saying the six buses that flunked the test were found to have defects ranging from a broken windshield to defective tires. Others were found to have defective seatbelts and lighting systems, the report said. Although the buses were already loaded with passengers, the LTO and LTFRB had them get off. The LTO and LTFRB said the buses will be allowed to ply provincial routes during Undas (All Saints' and All Souls' Days) once their defects are fixed. Filipinos have been flocking to the provinces for Undas so they can pay respects to their dearly departed. But the exodus is not expected to peak until Wednesday. Authorities had been inspecting buses and bus terminals to make sure they are roadworthy, and their drivers are not prone to fatigue. — RSJ, GMA News ....More stories...LTFRB issues special permits to first batch of b