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Partas Transportation Co., Inc.
A Partas bus parked at the Dau Mabalacat Bus Terminal, Pampanga.
FoundedJuly 25, 1989; 36 years ago (1989-07-25)
HeadquartersCubao, Quezon City
LocaleLuzon
Service area
Service typeProvincial Operation
Tourist Operation (as Partas Tours)
Hubs
  • Cubao
  • Pasay
  • Sampaloc
OperatorPartas Transportation Co., Inc.
Chief executiveChavit Singson

Partas Transportation Co., Inc. is a bus transportation company in the Philippines. It operates a 24/7 service for passengers and freight (known as "waybills") between Metro Manila and northern Luzon (the Ilocos Region and Cagayan Valley),[1] with services also running to the Cordilleras in Baguio, Bangued in Abra,[2] and also to the south Occidental Mindoro. Partas also offers chartered service for tour groups.

Etymology

[edit]

The name "Partas" was derived from the term "Satrap", an ancient Persian language word for "governor" (since Luis "Chavit" Singson, the owner, served as governor of Ilocos Sur for many years) spelled in reverse, an example of a palindrome. "Satrap" also refers to the name of the construction business owned and managed by Partas' owner/operator.[3]

History

[edit]

Partas was founded on July 25, 1989,[4] and started its operations in 1991, a time when Philippine Rabbit and rival Fariñas Transit ruled the Ilocos routes; with millionaire Santiago Rondaris' Times Transit shut down for good due to labor disputes (later became Dominion Bus Lines); and St. Joseph sidelined by hard times. Partas Bus Lines, as a company, was incorporated by Luis Chavit Singson and Rolito Go at Laoag (Ilocos Norte).[3] Even as a new player in the industry back then, Partas has attracted the riding public with its state-of-the-art buses powered by Nissan Diesel and MAN engines; with the distinctive blue and white livery, and the Road Runner character from Looney Tunes, their standard emblem, adorning the front and sides of their buses.[5]

Partas is one of two bus companies in the Ilocos Region to have ever fielded a double-decker bus (the other being Fariñas).[6][7]

The principal provincial terminals are at Laoag, Vigan, Candon, Bangued, Baguio, San Fernando, La Union, and, starting in 2014, a sub-station in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

In Metro Manila, the main hub is at Cubao, Quezon City, which deploys trips to majority of its provincial destinations, except for Baguio.

Trips to and from the majority of its provincial destinations, except for Baguio, are available via their terminal in Pasay. One of the latest routes added to Pasay terminal is Pasay to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, and vice versa.[8]

The latest terminal within Metro Manila was opened in Sampaloc district of Manila. This terminal principally caters to goods traders in Binondo and Divisoria districts of Manila, and students in Manila's University Belt who hail from Laoag, Bangued, Abra and Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Partas also has inter-provincial trips in Northern Luzon, running between Baguio, Vigan, Laoag, Bangued, Abra, San Fernando, La Union, Bolinao, Pangasinan, Tuguegarao, Cagayan and Santiago, Isabela.[9][10][11]

Fleet

[edit]

Partas operates around 300 buses. Currently the fleet predominantly consist of imported or locally-assembled Golden Dragon and Zhongtong buses from China.[12]

The list includes:

  • Golden Dragon XML6102 "Splendour"
  • Golden Dragon XML6122J38Y "Triumph 2.0"
  • Golden Dragon XML6103 "Phoenix"
  • Golden Dragon XML6103 "Snowfox"
  • Golden Dragon XML6103 "Snow Leopard"
  • Golden Dragon XML6122
  • Golden Dragon XML6127
  • Golden Dragon XML6129J18 "Navigator"
  • Zhongtong LCK6118H "Elegance"
  • Zhongtong LCK6128H "Magnate"
  • Golden Dragon XML6122J18 "Triumph"
  • Golden Dragon XML6122J23 "Triumph"

Former:

  • Golden Dragon XML6129 "Grand Cruiser"
  • Hyundai Universe Space Luxury
  • Higer KLQ6109 Koyo Motor
  • Man AMC Tourist Star R39 18.350
  • Yutong ZK6107HA
  • Hino RM2PSS DMMW DM 10
  • Hino RM2PSS DMMW DM 11
  • Hino RM2PSS DMMW DM 12
  • Hino RM2PSS DMMW DM 14
  • Hino RM2PSS DMMW DM 16
  • Nissan Diesel Euro Trans JA430SAN

Branding

[edit]

Livery

[edit]

The company's official logo is Road Runner which is displayed, either standing or running, on most buses, with the name 'PARTAS' written in capital letters. All buses vary in livery design, but are predominantly blue (light and dark), red and white.

Fleet numbering

[edit]

The buses are numbered with 4 or 5 digits, with the number 8 being placed on the first and last digit (e.g. 8**8 and 8***8).

Fare classes

[edit]

Partas has employed various fare classes, which are sequenced below from the least to the most priced.

  • Luxury: (2x1 seating with leg-support and footrest, individual buspad and onboard restroom. 28 seater)
  • Deluxe: (2x2 seating with onboard restroom. 45 seater)
  • Regular air–conditioned: (2x2 seating. 49 seater)

They also operate express buses, with only one stopover.

Destinations

[edit]

Metro Manila

[edit]

Provincial destinations

[edit]

(*) All buses from Metro Manila will pass through TPLEX depending on the exit.

Inter-provincial

[edit]
  • Baguio - Laoag
  • Baguio - Vigan
  • Baguio - Narvacan
  • Baguio - Bangued (placards and LEDs are shown as Abra)
  • Baguio - San Fernando (LEDs and placards are shown as La Union)
  • Baguio - Bolinao (via Agoo)
  • Vigan - Sta. Cruz
  • Tuguegarao - Santiago (via Ilagan)

Former destinations

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Partas

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Partas Transportation Co., Inc. is a bus transportation company founded in 1989 and based in the that provides 24/7 services for passengers and freight, primarily connecting the National Capital Region (NCR) to destinations in the . Established as a key player in interprovincial travel, Partas operates from major terminals in Cubao and in , extending routes to cities such as , , , , , in Abra, and San Fernando in . The company maintains a fleet of over 200 owned buses as of 2025, including air-conditioned vehicles equipped with GPS monitoring for safety and efficiency. Partas offers multiple service classes to cater to different traveler needs, such as First Class Express for standard trips, Deluxe buses with 45 seats and basic amenities, with 28 seats and extra legroom, and Luxury buses featuring 26 reclining seats, individual entertainment tablets, USB ports, CCTV, and onboard restrooms. These services emphasize comfort and reliability, with frequent trips across its network every 30–60 minutes on major routes. Fares vary by route and class; as of 2025, they start from approximately 900 PHP for journeys like Cubao to in Deluxe and reach up to 1,400 PHP for longer routes like Cubao to in Super Deluxe. In addition to passenger transport, Partas handles freight via waybills, supporting movement alongside its core bus operations. The company facilitates online booking through integrated platforms, enhancing accessibility for reservations and ticket purchases. With a focus on northern connectivity, Partas has become an essential service provider for commuters, tourists, and businesses in the region.

Overview

Founding and Ownership

Partas Transportation Co., Inc. was founded on July 25, 1989, by Luis "Chavit" and Rolito Go in , . Operations commenced in 1991. The initiative aimed to introduce modern bus services along the Ilocos corridor, entering a market dominated by long-standing competitors including and Fariñas Transit. In 1996, Rolito Go left the company, leaving as the sole owner. Ownership remains primarily with the family, led by —a former governor of —as the key stakeholder, with the company integrated into the group of businesses. The company name "Partas" derives from "satrap," an ancient Persian word denoting a provincial , chosen to evoke Singson's influential political career. It also resembles the Ilocano word "pardas," meaning "fast" or "speed."

Operations and Coverage

Partas Transportation Co., Inc. specializes in passenger transport and freight services, with the latter facilitated through waybills, connecting to Northern , particularly the . The company operates on a 24/7 basis, ensuring continuous availability for travelers and cargo shippers across its network. The primary coverage area encompasses the National Capital Region (NCR) as the southern hub, extending northward to , , and Abra, with additional select routes serving in . This geographic focus supports efficient inter-regional mobility, prioritizing key provinces along the primary highways of . Multiple daily trips are scheduled on these corridors to accommodate varying demand, including peak travel periods. Operational logistics are streamlined through an integrated online booking system accessible via the official website, partasbus.com, allowing users to reserve seats and check availability in real time. The company's main terminals are strategically located in Cubao, , and City within the NCR, serving as departure and arrival points for most services. In the provinces, key facilities operate in , , and , , facilitating seamless transfers and local access. Safety remains a core priority, with all buses equipped for GPS tracking to monitor routes and ensure timely operations. Drivers are selected for their courteous demeanor and adherence to safe driving practices, contributing to a reliable service experience. Partas complies with national standards for public transportation, including vehicle maintenance and operational protocols enforced by Philippine authorities.

History

Establishment and Early Operations

Partas Bus Lines was incorporated by Luis "Chavit" Singson and Rolito Go in , , on July 25, 1989. Partas Transportation Co., Inc. commenced operations in 1991, two years after its founding. The company entered the interprovincial bus market with initial routes connecting to key destinations in northern , including and , utilizing imported buses to provide service along these corridors. This launch occurred amid a competitive landscape dominated by established operators such as Bus Lines and Fariñas Transit, which controlled much of the northern routes. Partas differentiated itself by introducing modern, air-conditioned vehicles, emphasizing comfort and reliability to attract passengers in an era when many services relied on older, non-climatized buses. Among the early milestones, Partas acquired its first buses equipped with engines from Diesel and MAN, marking a shift toward higher-quality, imported that enhanced service standards. The company established its principal provincial terminal in , , to support efficient operations and facilitate connections to further northern points. These acquisitions and infrastructure setups were crucial in building a foundation for dependable during the , a period of economic recovery in the following political upheaval, where reliable mobility was essential for regional and . The initial fleet consisted of a limited number of air-conditioned units, allowing Partas to focus on operational reliability and gradual expansion rather than rapid scaling. This approach enabled the company to navigate entry barriers in a market with entrenched competitors, prioritizing passenger safety and punctuality to foster loyalty in its early years.

Growth and Modernization

In the 2000s, Partas expanded its route network to include key destinations in Northern such as Abra and , enhancing connectivity between and the Ilocos and regions. This growth allowed the company to capture a larger share of interprovincial travel demand. A major aspect of this period was fleet modernization, shifting from earlier models like and Nissan-Diesel buses to more efficient vehicles imported or assembled from Chinese manufacturers Zhongtong and Golden Dragon. These upgrades focused on improved , passenger amenities, and durability for extended routes, supporting the company's operational expansion. In the 2010s, Partas introduced online booking systems, enabling passengers to reserve tickets and check schedules digitally through its official platform, which streamlined reservations and reduced terminal queues. The from 2020 to 2022 posed significant challenges, leading Partas to suspend operations temporarily before resuming with stringent health protocols, including mandatory proof of vaccination and valid identification for all passengers. These measures ensured safer travel as demand gradually recovered. By 2025, Partas had expanded its operational fleet to over 200 buses, reflecting sustained investment in capacity amid post-pandemic recovery and rising travel volumes. For the Undas 2025 holiday period (October 29 to November 4), the company deployed its entire fleet across more than 15 routes, operating trips every 30 to with extended hours to handle peak passenger surges. This full mobilization underscored Partas's adaptability to seasonal demands while maintaining safety features like GPS tracking and .

Branding

Livery Evolution

The livery of Partas buses has undergone significant changes since the company's early years, reflecting its growth and branding strategies. Early buses featured a blue and white livery with the Road Runner emblem. By the 2010s, Partas transitioned to a modern livery dominated by shades of light and dark blue, accented with red and white elements, incorporating the company logo and route indicators for enhanced identification. This shift was driven by efforts to improve visibility, ensure brand consistency across the expanding fleet, and adopt a more contemporary look that better suited updated bus models. Key design elements in the current include aerodynamic graphics along the sides for a sleeker appearance, slogans printed on the rear and sides to promote passenger awareness, and class-specific markings such as "Luxury" badges on premium units. These features integrate briefly with the fleet numbering for quick operational reference without altering the core visual identity. The evolution underscores Partas' commitment to balancing tradition with modernization in its external aesthetics.

Fleet Numbering System

Partas employs a distinctive fleet numbering designed to facilitate identification and operations. Older units in the fleet are assigned 4-digit numbers in the format 8XX8, while newer additions use 5-digit numbers in the format 8XXX8. Numbers are allocated sequentially within acquisition batches to streamline inventory management. This approach ensures orderly tracking of vehicles as they are introduced. The primary purpose of this numbering convention is to support scheduling, operational dispatching, and passenger familiarity with specific buses. The has been updated to accommodate growing numbers while maintaining consistency.

Fleet

Composition and Manufacturers

Partas Transportation Co., Inc. maintains a fleet of approximately 200 buses, including spare units to support continuous 24/7 operations across its routes. As of October . In its early years during the and , the company relied on buses from manufacturers such as Diesel and for its provincial operations. The current fleet primarily consists of imported Chinese buses from Zhongtong Bus Holdings Co., Ltd. and Golden Dragon Bus Co., Ltd., which form the backbone of Partas's modern operations. These models, such as the Zhongtong LCK6118H and Golden Dragon XML6103, are assembled or imported to meet operational demands in the . As of 2025, recent additions continue to feature Golden Dragon units, enhancing the fleet's capacity for passenger and freight services. All buses in the fleet are equipped with air-conditioning for comfort and GPS monitoring for real-time tracking. Luxury buses additionally feature cameras for security. Partas emphasizes safety through these standard features, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards for interprovincial travel.

Service Classes

Partas operates four distinct service classes, each designed to cater to varying levels of comfort and journey durations, with configurations optimized for their respective roles in the fleet. The First Class Express serves as the economy option, featuring 48 seats arranged in a 4-per-row layout, providing basic , onboard television for entertainment, and GPS monitoring for route tracking. This class emphasizes affordability and efficiency, making it suitable for shorter provincial trips where space efficiency is prioritized over luxury. The Deluxe class offers a step up in comfort with 45 seats in a 4-per-row configuration, including , television, and GPS monitoring, along with slightly enhanced seating for improved ride quality on standard provincial routes. Passengers benefit from a more spacious feel compared to the First Class Express, though it maintains a focus on practical amenities rather than premium features. For longer journeys, the Super Deluxe class provides 28 seats in a 2-1 configuration (three seats per row), with wide reclining seats offering extra legroom, , television, GPS monitoring, and an onboard restroom for convenience. This setup enhances relaxation during extended travel, positioning it as a mid-tier premium option within the fleet. access is available in this class. The top-tier Luxury class features 26 seats in a 2-1 configuration (three seats per row), equipped with comfortable reclining seats, , individual tablets for games, movies, and music, USB power ports for device charging, for security, and an onboard restroom. Designed for premium long-haul experiences, it prioritizes personalized entertainment and connectivity. access is available on select units. All service classes are deployed across Partas's primary routes to Northern , ensuring a range of options for travelers while supported by the company's diverse fleet composition.

Routes and Destinations

Metro Manila Terminals

Partas operates two primary terminals in , serving as key departure points for routes to Northern Luzon. The Cubao Terminal, located at 816 Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, , 1109, functions as the company's main hub and handles the majority of departures to destinations in the and beyond. This facility supports comprehensive ticketing services, spacious waiting areas for passengers, and dedicated freight handling for alongside passenger operations. Contactable at 0917 819 3909 or +63 (02) 724-9820, the terminal facilitates seamless access via nearby LRT-2 stations and major roads. The Pasay Terminal, situated at Aurora Boulevard, Barangay 149, San Roque, City 1303, serves as a secondary hub optimized for southern access, integrating with and nearby public transport networks like the MRT for enhanced connectivity. Operational as a dedicated site for northern routes, it supports similar ticketing and departure functions, with contact available at +63 (02) 852-8194. This terminal caters to passengers from areas like and , providing an alternative entry point to Partas services without overlapping the primary Cubao operations. Both terminals maintain 24/7 operations to accommodate round-the-clock travel demands, featuring modern amenities such as efficient ticketing counters, digital schedule boards, comfortable waiting lounges with Wi-Fi access, restrooms, and on-site eateries or snack bars. Online booking kiosks enable convenient reservations through integrated platforms, while parking areas and clear signage support drop-off and pick-up zones. Freight services are available at both locations for waybill shipments, ensuring coordinated passenger and cargo logistics.

Northern Luzon Destinations

Partas operates several core routes from its terminals in Cubao and , , to key destinations in and , providing essential connectivity to Northern . The primary route to in typically departs from Cubao at 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM on buses with and restrooms, as well as from at 11:55 PM on Aircon Deluxe services, with an approximate travel time of 10 to 12 hours via the (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and Tarlac-Pangasinan- Expressway (TPLEX). Similarly, services to in run from Cubao at 7:00 PM on Deluxe buses without restrooms (with pick-up/drop-off options) and 9:00 PM on , alongside a 4:00 PM departure from on Aircon Deluxe, taking about 9 hours and stopping at intermediate points like San Fernando in . Shorter core routes include trips to in from Cubao at 8:00 AM, 5:00 PM, and 10:00 PM, and from at 8:00 PM, with travel times of around 7 to 8 hours; to from Cubao at 11:00 PM on ; and to from Cubao at 9:00 PM on , each featuring limited stops en route to prioritize speed. Extended routes further north and east include services to Bangued in Abra province, departing Cubao at 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM on Super Deluxe buses, and Pasay at 11:55 PM on Aircon Deluxe, extending beyond Ilocos Sur with additional stops in Vigan and Narvacan for a journey of approximately 11 to 13 hours. To Baguio City in Benguet, Partas provides connections via intermediate stops in Pangasinan (such as Urdaneta) and La Union (such as San Fernando), often integrated with inter-provincial services rather than direct nonstop runs from Manila terminals. These Baguio routes typically take 6 to 8 hours, utilizing the same expressways before branching onto the Marcos Highway. Inter-provincial links enhance flexibility, particularly through the Dau Terminal in , , where passengers can transfer from Manila-bound buses to onward services toward Northern destinations like or Ilocos provinces, facilitating seamless connections without returning to . This hub serves as a key interchange point on the route from NLEX to TPLEX, allowing for efficient routing to Abra and areas. Schedule frequencies consist of multiple daily departures across these routes, with 2 to 3 trips per destination from Cubao and 1 to 2 from under normal operations, increasing during peak holiday periods such as Undas in 2025 to accommodate higher demand through additional buses and extended hours. As of November 2025, all core routes remain fully operational following Undas adjustments, with no reported recent discontinuations. Travel times may vary due to traffic, weather, or road conditions, but services generally include brief stops for meals at rest areas along the expressways. Partas employs its standard bus classes, such as Deluxe and , on these Northern routes to ensure comfort over long distances.

Former and Discontinued Routes

The prompted adjustments to operations, including the suspension of minor stops such as Santa in , which are not included in schedules as of November 2025. These changes allowed Partas to concentrate resources on its primary Ilocos corridor, enhancing overall efficiency and reliability for high-demand services.

Fare Structure

Class-Based Pricing

Partas employs a tiered pricing model based on service class, with fares escalating according to the level of amenities and comfort provided in each category. The entry-level options, such as Express and Deluxe, typically start at ₱740–₱900 for shorter northern routes like Manila to , while premium classes like Super Deluxe range from ₱800 to ₱1,200 and Luxury exceeds ₱1,000 for longer journeys such as Manila to . This structure ensures passengers pay more for enhanced features, including wider seating arrangements, onboard restrooms, and entertainment systems in higher classes. Fares incorporate distance as a key factor, with a base rate for the origin-destination pair augmented by increments proportional to kilometers traveled, reflecting operational costs like and time. For example, on the approximately 400 km Cubao to route, Deluxe fares stand at ₱740–₱1,140 as of late 2025, while Luxury options reach ₱1,000–₱1,400; these rates rise for the extended 500+ km to , where comparable classes command 15–30% higher prices. Fares are subject to periodic adjustments for , costs, and LTFRB regulations; check official sources for latest rates as of November 2025. Online booking through the official Partas website (partasbus.com) and affiliated platforms like 12Go provides convenience, often including special offers to encourage advance reservations. Group rates for private bus rentals cater to organized travel, with overnight trips to destinations like priced between ₱55,000 and ₱75,000 for 29- to 50-seater vehicles, inclusive of driver and basic amenities. During peak holiday seasons, such as Undas 2025, Partas implements enhanced schedules and capacity to handle demand surges, though standard class-based rates apply without fixed surcharges unless otherwise announced.

Additional Fees and Policies

Partas Bus provides a standard free of 20 kg for passengers on luxury class services, 15–20 kg for deluxe and super deluxe classes, including one large checked bag and one hand-carry item that must fit in overhead storage. Excess or voluminous is subject to additional freight charges, handled separately via waybills for cargo transport. In line with Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) mandates, Partas offers a 20% discount on base fares for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), requiring valid identification at the point of purchase or boarding; children under 4 years old may travel free when seated on a parent's lap. The company ensures accessibility compliance, including priority seating and assistance for PWDs as per LTFRB guidelines. Cancellation policies follow LTFRB regulations, with a 25% penalty applied for cancellations or no-shows; rebooking incurs a 10% plus processing charge (typically ₱100–₱150) if requested sufficiently in advance, and online booking service charges are non-refundable regardless. All policies prioritize passenger safety and regulatory adherence without additional ancillary charges like seat selection or environmental fees as of 2025.

References

  1. https://partasbus.com/
  2. https://www.phbus.com/partas-bus-terminal/
  3. https://partasbusticket.ph/news/undas-2025-operations
  4. https://partasonlinebooking.ph/
  5. https://bustickets.ph/partas-bus-manila-to-vigan/
  6. https://partasonlinebooking.ph/rates/
  7. https://transportph.weebly.com/partas.html
  8. https://peanutgallerynews.com/singson-family-business-dynasty/
  9. https://lcsgroup.com.ph/blogPost/untitled-3
  10. https://www.phbus.com/partas-bus/
  11. https://partasbus.com/terminal/
  12. https://bustickets.ph/partas-bus/
  13. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1579770/more-bus-firms-resume-manila-northern-luzon-trips
  14. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1002813295217987&id=100064679767149&set=a.549731983859456
  15. https://www.facebook.com/61556850163967/videos/partas-transportation-83178manufacturer-xiamen-golden-dragon-bus-co-ltd-trans-or/1062677889082095/
  16. https://bustickets.ph/partas-bus-premium-classes-luxury-and-deluxe-bus/
  17. https://wanderera.com/partas-luxury-bus/
  18. https://partasbusticket.ph/terminal
  19. https://partasbus.com/schedules/
  20. https://bustickets.ph/partas-bus-manila-to-laoag-bus/
  21. https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Candon/Partas-Bus-Station-Pasay
  22. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1374604465915235/posts/31145003265115295/
  23. https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Partas-Bus-Station-Pasay/Baguio
  24. https://ph.commutetour.com/ph/terminal/dau-mabalacat/
  25. https://partasbusticket.ph/news/fares-schedules
  26. https://partasbus.com/bus-rental/
  27. https://12go.asia/en/operator/partas-transportation-company
  28. https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Bus_travel_in_the_Philippines
  29. https://jur.ph/law/summary/consolidated-guidelines-fare-discounts-students-seniors-disabled-persons
  30. https://www.respicio.ph/commentaries/consumer-rights-for-cancelled-travel-bookings-in-the-philippines
  31. https://www.klook.com/en-US/activity/78858-bus-ticket-cubao-vigan-laoag/
  32. https://www.scribd.com/document/941012421/partas-oct21
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