BY ALEXANDRIA SAN JUAN
Four more routes that will benefit more than 500 traditional jeepneys in Metro Manila will be opened by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) beginning Friday (October 30) to serve more commuters amid restrictions in public transport.
In its Memorandum Circular 2020-064 released on Wednesday, the LTFRB has approved to open the four routes in the capital region for 507 units of traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs).
This brought the total number of traditional PUJ routes approved by the LTFRB to 336, covering 29,227 units since the enforcement of a general community quarantine in the NCR on June 1.
Based on the latest memorandum, the LTFRB is set to open the following routes to service the riding public starting Friday:
- Parang – Recto
- Parang – Stop & Shop via Aurora Blvd.
- Recto – SSS Village via Aurora Blvd., Espana Blvd.
- Libertad – Pinagbarilan
According to the LTFRB, authorized traditional PUJs will be allowed to operate even without a special permit provided that they are roadworthy and have a valid Personal Passenger Insurance Policy.
In place of a special permit, the LTFRB said that operators and drivers will be required to obtain a unique QR code to be printed and displayed in the corresponding unit.
The QR code, a special barcode that can be download from the LTFRB website starting Sunday, will prove that their vehicles were among the units permitted to take passengers on the approved routes across the metropolis.
The agency added that the fare in PUJs remains at P9 for the first four kilometers and P1.50 for succeeding kilometers and no fare adjustment shall be applied unless approved by the Board.
Drivers, operators, and passengers were also reminded to strictly observe the following “seven commandments” of public health measures in transportation proposed by medical experts.
- Wear face masks and face shields;
- No talking and making telephone calls;
- No eating;
- Keep PUVs well- ventilated;
- Conduct frequent disinfection;
- No passengers with COVID-19 symptoms are to be allowed inside public transportation; and
- Observe appropriate physical distancing.
The LTFRB warned that failure to comply with the guidelines will incur penalties such as imposition of fines or cancellation or suspension of the Certificate of Public Convenience or Provisional Authority of the unit.
