Ridership down 20 percent, says bus firm

MANILA, Philippines - With the All Saints' and All Souls' Days falling on a weekend, a bus firm in Metro Manila said there were visibly less people taking the bus to go to their respective provinces. Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported that Philippine Rabbit bus terminal manager Chris Soriano noted a 20-percent drop in ridership, even as he said they expect more passengers to arrive after noon. Security measures were doubled at the terminal but security personnel did not have any metal detector. No police was present at the terminal as of early Friday, the report said. Earlier, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it issued 59 less special permits to public transport operators compared to last year. LTFRB head Thompson Lantion said this was also due to the "shortened" All Saints' weekend this year. - GMANews.TV