The newly created classification of Bus Rapid Transport System by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) may soon be populated after the Land Transportation Regulatory Board (LTFRB) opened up the bidding process for the planned Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) premium bus service.

Two bus routes have been planned – one is NAIA to Roxas Boulevard/SM Mall of Asia and Entertainment City, and the other is NAIA to the Makati Central Business District. One route covers NAIA 1 and 2 while the other with serve NAIA 3.

Trips will have a maximum of five stops that are all strategically located within the route to both maximize the trip and keep good time for passengers who are keeping a tight schedule.

“Many of our overseas and domestic airline travellers have problems going to and from our airports. This is why the LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) released guidelines regarding the legal tender of airport bus services,” said LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez.

Interested parties may attend a pre-qualification conference on July 10. Deadline for bid submission, complete with legal, technical and financial requirement, is August 3.

This premium bus service must have a seating capacity of 24, low-floor height, adequate luggage space and must have operating hours of 4AM to 12MN. Buses must be equipped with an on-board CCTV, Wi-Fi, an automated bus arrival electronic display and announcement system.

Drivers of the bus will be paid on a monthly salary basis.

The suggested fare for both routes is pegged at Php 300.

There will be booking offices set up in off-street shops and at the airport terminals for the passenger’s convenience.