How to Get LTFRB Special Permit (Out-Of-Line-Operation)

Securing a special (out-of-line operation) permit from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) during special holidays is essential for transportation operators to accommodate the surge in passenger demand. This permit, according to LTFRB Memorandum Circular 1997-007, is one of the agency’s mandates designed to allow public utility buses (PUBs) to run outside of their routes in an attempt to address the extraordinary increase in passenger volume during special occasions. The permit is not designed to substitute for regular Certificates of Public Convenience (CPCs).

As a temporary authorization, the special permit for out of line operations of PUBs has a time limit. It is also only allowed in areas where there is a forecasted influx of passengers that its regular operators cannot fully address. Because of its sensitive nature, it is one of the highly technical transactions available only upon request at the LTFRB Technical Division. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process involved in filing a petition for a special (out-of-line) permit during special holidays along with everything else you need to know.

What is a Special Permit

A special permit is a temporary authorization granted by the LTFRB to transport passengers during special holidays or events, allowing operators to address the increased demand for transportation services efficiently. Special permits for out-of-line operations are temporary authorizations granted to public utility vehicle (PUB) operators to allow them to conduct transportation services outside of their regular routes during peak periods such as religious celebrations, civic events, and national holidays like town fiestas, national elections, excursions/picnics, office activities or celebrations, like attendance to meetings, seminars or conferences, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, family festivities and the like and also to meet, fetch or ferry individual/s to and from the airport, pier or bus terminals. This permit is distinct from regular certificates of public convenience and serves as a temporary solution to meet the heightened passenger volume demand.

The structured framework for the issuance of the special permits for out-of-line operations and special holidays is outlined in the Memorandum Circular 1997-007 and 2003-032 issued by the LTFRB. The MC also emphasizes that the special permits are not substitutes for regular Certificates of Public Convenience (CPCs). It also covers the criteria for granting these special permits, including the need for a valid reason when applying for these permits and the evaluation of its impact on the existing operators in the said routes.

Qualifications 

Only the operators are eligible for special permits. They can either be PUB operators or any operator with a legitimate request for temporary provisional authority. They also need to satisfy the following conditions:

Guidelines for Filing Special Permit Petition:

  1. Limit on Units: The number of units proposed for operation under the Special Permit cannot exceed 25% of the total authorized units of the operator. The petitioner must state the total authorized and registered units under their name.
  2. Route Specification: Applicants must specify the route/line they intend to serve, along with the chassis, motor, and plate numbers of the units proposed for operation. This should also include the LTFRB Case number for their current authorized operations.
  3. Submission of Fare Matrix: Petitioners should provide a fare matrix for the proposed route, adhering to the authorized fare for that route.
  4. Terminal Locations: Applicants must include the locations and addresses of the terminals at both ends of the proposed route/line where their unit/s will operate.
  5. Duration of Special Permit: The special permit’s duration should not exceed the duration of the holiday it intends to address. For example, during All Souls/Saints Day, Holy Week, Christmas Season, and the days of Eidl Fitr and Eidl Adha.

Requirements

To initiate the process, special permit applicants must prepare the following requirements:

For Authorized Representatives (Individual Operators)

Personal appearance of the petitioner is required. However, if not possible for petitioner to be physically present, authorized representative is allowed upon presentation of: 

  • One (1) Original copy for presentation and one (1) Photocopy of Duly notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA) 
  • One (1) Original copy for presentation and one (1) Photocopy of Valid Government-Issued ID of the applicant and authorized representative 

For Cooperatives

  • One (1) Original copy for presentation and one (1) Photocopy of Board Resolution authorizing the request for special permit and designating the authorized representative/s to file Petition 
  • One (1) Original copy for presentation and one (1) Photocopy of Valid Government-Issued ID of the authorized representative

For Corporation and Partnership

  • One (1) Original copy for presentation and one (1) Photocopy of Board Resolution/ Secretary’s Certificate authorizing the request for special permit and designating the authorized representative/s to file Petition  
  • One (1) Original copy for presentation and one (1) Photocopy of valid government-issued ID of the authorized representative 

Procedures

For a detailed guide on how to file a petition for special (out-of-line) permit during special holidays at the LTFRB, here are the steps to follow:

Step 1. Visit the LTFRB Office

Begin by visiting the nearest LTFRB office to obtain the necessary forms and checklist of requirements.

Step 2. Submit Application

Submit the verified application along with supporting documents to the LTFRB Public Assistance Complaint Desk (PACD) for authentication and completeness check.

Step 3. Fee Assessment and Payment

Upon verification, fees will be assessed, and a payment order slip (POS) will be issued. Proceed to make payments at the designated cashier.

Step 4. Submission and Evaluation

Submit the petition/application along with the official receipt of payment for further evaluation by the Technical Division.

Step 5. Wait for Evaluation

Wait for the evaluation process to be completed, during which the Information Systems Management Division (ISMD) will draft and forward the order to the Technical Division.

Step 6. Claim Approved Order

Upon approval, visit the LTFRB office and claim the approved order from the Technical Division Releasing Unit.

By adhering to the outlined procedures and fulfilling the necessary requirements,  all CPC holders can efficiently file a petition for a special (out-of-line) permit during special holidays at the LTFRB, ensuring seamless transportation services for passengers during these peak periods. 

For inquiries related to special permit applications at LTFRB, you may reach out to he LTFRB via the following:

ltfrb-contact

Fees

The petition for a special (out-of-line) permit during special holidays is not free. When you file a petition requesting for one, you need to be ready to pay the fees which include the following:

  • Filing Fee
    • For 1st 2 units: PHP 250.00
    • Succeeding units: PHP 70.00/unit
  • Legal Research Fee: PHP 10.00
  • Franchise Verification Fee: PHP 40.00

Processing a Petition for Special Permit

According to LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2003-032, must be filed at least seven (7) days prior to the operations of the unit/s. Applications for special permits may be filed in any LTFRB Office where the units proposed to be operated will run or traverse, except, when the unit/s will enter or originate in Metro Manila, in which case the Application/Petition shall be filed and approved by the Board at the LTFRB Central Office. The processing time is estimated to be at least twenty (20) days, though it may vary depending on the evaluation of the submitted application and the completeness of the requirements submitted. Having additional transactions may also affect the time needed for drafting and recommendation of the order before the approval and encoding of the petition.

Summary

Securing a special permit for out-of-line operations during special holidays involves adherence to the guidelines set forth by the LTFRB. By following the outlined procedures and ensuring all required documents are provided, operators can efficiently complete the process with time to spare and contribute to the seamless provision of public transportation services during significant events.