The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will implement some changes in the passenger capacity load on Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) in various parts of the country from 9th December 2021 to 4th January 2022, based on the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).
Based on Memorandum Circular no. 2021-076 released by LTFRB yesterday, up to 70% passenger capacity will be allowed in PUVs in the National Capital Region and provinces included in the Metro Manila Urban Transportation Integration Study (MMUTIS) Update and Capacity Enhancement Project (MUCEP) which includes Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.
For regions where PUVs have implemented 50% passenger capacity load but have a 30% Vaccination Rate this December, their passenger capacity load can be increased to 70%.
In regions where 70% passenger capacity load can be implemented, but 30% Vaccination Rate has not been confirmed, the Regional Franchising and Regulatory Board (RFRO) must submit a Memorandum to the Board along with the Certification of Vaccination Rate from the Regional IATF or Department of Health (DOH) Regional Office.
For inter-regional routes, the following guidelines regarding Passenger Capacity will be followed:
1) For PUVs traveling to Metro Manila, the passenger capacity of the region of origin of the PUV will be observed.
2) For PUVs traveling from Metro Manila, the passenger capacity of the regional endpoint of the trip will be observed.
3) The region with lower passenger capacity will be followed on inter-regional routes that do not pass through Metro Manila.
LTFRB releases new guidelines on passenger capacity for holiday season
In addition, the LTFRB still strictly enforces on public vehicles compliance with minimum health safety protocols or the so-called “7 Commandments” on PUVs where the following must be done:
1) Always wear a face mask;
2) No talking and talking on the phone;
3) It is forbidden to eat inside the vehicle;
4) Always maintain proper and adequate ventilation in PUVs;
5) Always perform disinfection;
6) Passengers with symptoms of COVID-19 are not allowed to ride on public transportation; at
7) Always follow proper physical distancing.
LTFRB reminds PUB operators to follow agency policies. Anyone caught violating the provisions of the MC will be subject to appropriate penalties and fines and may be removed by the CPC or PA. In addition, PUB drivers, can have their licenses revoked.
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