LTFRB: Minors, pregnant women, other members of 'vulnerable population' now allowed on PUVs

In a recent Facebook post, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced that minors, pregnant women, and members of the vulnerable population (over 65 years of age, those with immunodeficiencies, co-morbidities, or other health risks) are now allowed on public utility vehicles (PUVs).

This announcement follows the Memorandum Circular 2021-065 which directs PUV drivers and operators to allow the aforementioned to use the local public transport system in places under Alert levels 1 and 2 starting last November 15.

However, the LTFRB still reminds the public to observe health protocols while traveling.

In addition, the LTFRB will still enforce the “Seven Commandments” in the public transportation system, according to the recommendation of health experts.

The said commandments include rules for both passengers, drivers, and operators to observe.

These are: wearing facemasks and face shields while riding in the PUV, prohibiting passengers to talk and use their mobile phones for phone calls inside the PUV, prohibiting passengers to eat while inside the PUV, proper ventilation of the PUV, continuous disinfection of the PUV, prohibiting passengers showing COVID-19 symptoms to board the PUV, and to follow the proper physical distancing guidelines while on the PUV.

Moreover, the LTFRB reminds drivers and operators of traditional and modern public utility jeepneys, public utility buses (PUB), and UV Express vehicles in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, at Rizal are only allowed to accommodate 70 percent of passenger capacity.

Roadworthy PUVs with valid and existing Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) or Application for Extension of Validity are allowed to operate, granted that each vehicle unit has a registered Personal Passenger Insurance Policy in the respective routes opened by the LTFRB.

Failure to comply with the aforementioned provisions will merit appropriate penalties such as fees and the revocation of their CPCs or PAs (for operators) and licenses (for drivers).

Photo from LTFRB's Facebook page

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