As part of its continued efforts to look after the wellbeing of all its stakeholders, officials of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) met with officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and Land Transportation and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region 3 last 04 September 2018 at the DOTr Office in the Clark Freeport, Mabalacat, Pampanga.

Present in the meeting representing the DOTr was Assistant Secretary Mark Richmund De Leon, whom suggested that due to the large volume of commuters, a higher level of service must be provided. He also urged the upgrade of the jeepneys into newer models and the prioritization of busses as high capacity modes of transport. ASec De Leon also asked the LTFRB to consider the growth of the population and workforce in the FAB to be included in the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP). The LPTRP is the LTFRB’s basis in issuing franchises for public utility vehicles (PUV).

For their part, the LTFRB mentioned that shuttle services franchises are open, and that they’d like to meet with FAB registered enterprises regarding this matter.

In closing, ASec De Leon expressed his commitment to support the improvement of transport conditions in the FAB and in the whole of the province of Bataan.

The improvement of transportation services is one of the core priorities in SOFT HEART - AFAB’s Priority Action Plan – referring to Socially relevant, Operationally viable, Financially feasible, Technologically Advanced Housing, Expansion areas, Accessibility, Renewable Energy, and Transportation.

AFAB