THE Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has opened 354 special permit application slots for public utility jeepneys (PUJs) in Dagupan City.

This came after Mayor Marc Brian Lim requested the LTFRB to issue additional special permits to PUJs to meet the city's demand for transportation and aid drivers who were displaced due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

In a statement issued on September 11, the city's public information office said Lim has endorsed all who have valid franchises and whose routes are within the city.

It said the additional special permits would be for the Dagupan-Bolosan/Salisay, Dagupan-Bonuan Binloc, Dagupan-Bonuan Boquig, Dagupan-Bonuan Gueset/Tondaligan, Dagupan-CSI Lucao, and Dagupan Downtown Loop routes.

Lim said PUJ operators and drivers who would be granted the special permit should register at the Public Order and Safety Office to get the sticker that would be placed on their units for easier monitoring.

The operators and drivers were also encouraged to follow the guidelines on minimum health standards set by the LTFRB for public utility vehicles.

The LTFRB earlier issued special permits to 41 PUJs to ply different routes in the city. (PNA)