CATARMAN, Northern Samar– The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Eastern Visayas (LTFRB-8) is looking into measures to improve public transportation here, including a local route plan, applications for transport network vehicle services, and possible expansion of its presence in the municipality.
LTFRB-8 Regional Director Gualberto Gualberto discussed the initiatives during a meeting with Catarman Mayor Dianne Rosales and other local officials during his visit to the municipality.
The meeting focused on the Catarman Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP), the application process for local Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS), and the possible establishment of an LTFRB satellite office in Catarman.
Gualberto, accompanied by Atty. Aemi Rose Tumampos and other LTFRB-8 personnel, later met with members of the local transport sector at Catarman Freedom Park to hear their concerns and discuss possible transport opportunities.
The dialogue, facilitated by the Municipal Public Order and Safety Office (MPOSO) headed by Atty. Harold Horcasitas, included discussions on applications by tricycle operators seeking franchises to operate minibuses on local highways.
The proposed expansion of transport services could provide local operators with additional opportunities while increasing public transport options in the municipality.
Former Northern Samar 1st District Rep. Paul Daza also attended the dialogue and expressed his support for local transport operators. He thanked Gualberto for personally visiting Catarman to discuss their concerns.
Rosales likewise thanked the LTFRB-8 chief for meeting directly with local officials and transport operators.
The municipal government said it wants the modernization of Catarman’s public transport system to provide opportunities for local operators and ensure that they are not displaced or overshadowed by franchise holders from outside the municipality.
The LGU said it would continue working with the LTFRB to develop transport programs that support both the needs of commuters and the livelihood of local transport operators.
(EUGENE M. ENANO)
