PHABS’ EXTENSION UNDER TALKS

While it gained positive feedback from commuters at the start, the company operating for PHABS noted loses in revenue

The operation of the Peak Hours Augmentation Bus Service (PHABS) has yet to be decided, as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board granted its operation only until March.

However, City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) chief Dionisio Abude said the permit granted by the LTFRB did not specifically mention as to what date PHABS will continue to operate, since the continuity of the augmentation will rely on the volume of passengers who are stranded due to the lack of public utility jeepneys (PUJs) operating.

Abude said they will discuss the matter with the LTFRB and Mindanao Star Bus Transport, Inc.

The traffic chief said that based on their assessment, PHABS was well-received, both by the passengers and the PUJs.

“Personally atong office, wala kadawat og official complaints gikan sa mga drivers nga disadvantaged sila. Wala puy letter nga niabot sa atoa,” Abude said in Thursday’s iSpeak press conference at the City Hall of Davao.

However, Abude said during the first few weeks of PHABS’ operation, Mindanao Star said they have revenue losses due to the operation schedule allotted to them by LTFRB.

PHABS operates from 6:30 to 9 a.m. for the morning phase, and resumes at 5 to 8 p.m. for the evening phase.

Abude also said that Mindanao Star is also seeking that one of the buses deployed in Toril, that was re-assigned to Catalunan Grande, will be replaced with a provincial bus-type vehicle.

He also said one of the buses also needs to undergo further repairs.