BY ALEXANDRIA SAN JUAN
More than a thousand traditional jeepneys will be allowed to operate in Metro Manila as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to open additional routes for PUJs beginning Wednesday.
The LFRB approved this week the opening of additional 10 routes for traditional PUJs in the capital region that will benefit 1,006 authorized units.
Under Memorandum Circular 2020-043 of the LTFRB, the following routes will be opened to ferry more passengers who are now going back to their workplaces:
- EDSA/North Ave. – Quezon City Hall
- Marcos Ave. – Quirino Highway via Tandang Sora
- Dapitan – Libertad via L. Guinto
- Divisoria – Retiro via JA Santos
- Divisoria – Sangandaan
- Libertad – Washington
- Baclaran – Escolta via Jones, L. Guinto
- Baclaran – QI via Mabini
- Blumentritt – Libertad via Quiapo, Guinto
- Blumentritt – Vito Cruz via L. Guinto
In a statement, the LTFRB said roadworthy traditional jeepneys could ferry passengers on the approved routes even without a special permit so long the drivers have a QR (quick response) code or a matrix barcode.
The operator may secure the QR code through downloading it from the LTFRB website at ltfrb.gov.ph and must be printed and displayed in the corresponding unit, the agency added.
It also reminded commuters that the existing fare of P9 for the first four kilometers and an additional P1.50 for the next kilometer should be followed and no fare adjustment shall be applied unless approved by the Board.
In addition, the LTFRB said drivers and operators should strictly observe safety protocols such as monitoring of body temperature, wearing face masks and face shields, and compliance in social distancing guidelines which include the operation of 50 percent maximum passenger capacity.
The LTFRB warned that failure to comply with the guidelines set by the Board will incur penalties such as imposition of fines or cancellation or suspension of the Certificate of Public Convenience or Provisional Authority of the unit.
Since the general community quarantine was implemented in Metro Manila on June 1, which allows the resumption of public transportation, the LTFRB has so far approved at least 178 routes for traditional jeepneys with 16,213 units.
Apart from traditional PUJs, the transport regulatory body has also allowed 786 modern PUJ units to ply 45 routes; 3,696 public utility buses in 31 routes; 364 point-to-point buses in 33 routes; and 1,621 UV Express units in 51 routes.
Meanwhile, 20,891 taxi and 23,968 Transport Network Vehicles Services (TNVS) units have been approved by the LTFRB to ferry passengers in the capital region.#
