Some modes of public transportation, including buses and jeepneys, resumed operations in this province on Monday after more than three months of stoppage due to the community quarantine.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Region 3 (Central Luzon), in its official social media account, said it allowed a total of 1,598 units of jeepneys to operate in 26 routes in Bulacan.

The routes include Angat-Baliwag via Bustos, Angat-Meycauayan, Angat-Santa Maria, Balagtas-Siling Matanda, Calumpit-Meycauayan, Calumpit-Plaridel, Hagonoy-Meycauayan, Hagonoy-Malolos, Licaw-Licaw-Tungkong Mangga, Bulakan-Malolos and Bulakan-Obando.

The LTFRB also announced that there are now 47 units of operational Point to Point or P2P buses in five routes — Malolos, Santa Maria, Balagtas, Pandi and Plaridel to North Edsa.

Billy Tatil, president of the Bulacan Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association, said they are thankful for the permits issued to them. However, he said they are appealing for higher fares as they could not carry passengers in full capacity.

He also said 16 public utility jeepneys (PUJs) continue to provide free rides to Bulakenyo medical front-liners at the Bulacan Medical Center, Rogaciano M. Mercado Memorial Hospital, Plaridel Infirmary, Gregorio del Pilar District Hospital and Calumpit District Hospital.

Meanwhile, the Five Star Bus Company announced that it is now servicing commuters from Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija to Meycauayan City with units departing at 5 a.m., 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. and vice versa from 10 p.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m.; Moncada, Tarlac to Meycauyan City from 6:15 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. and going back at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

The Five Star Bus Company also has buses from Meycauayan City to Monumento, Caloocan City with a PHP30.50 fare.

Baliwag Transit, Inc. said it will start servicing commuters from San Jose City, Nueva Ecija to Meycauayan City, Bulacan, with a PHP2.20-per kilometer fare as approved by the LTFRB. (PNA)