Standing passengers inside some public utility vehicles (SUVs) are now allowed in areas under Alert Level 1 status, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
In a statement on Monday, the LTFRB said Memorandum Circular No. 2022-070 directs public utility bus (PUBs) and modern public utility jeepney (MPUJs) Class 2 to allow standing passengers subject to the following conditions:
- For Low Entry/Low Floor PUBs, only a maximum of 15 standing passengers are allowed, with at least one person apart;
- For Coach-type PUBs, only a maximum of 10 standing passengers are allowed, with at least one person apart and;
- For MPUJs-Class 2, only a maximum of 5 standing passengers are allowed, with at least one person apart
The LTFRB said the policy is in accordance with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) order to make the most of the spaces in PUVs without violating public health safety protocols, which will be effective starting Monday, Sept. 26.
The agency also warned that PUVs found in a breach would be fined according to the terms of their Certificate of Public Convenience and Joint Administrative Order 2014-01.
“Imposed existing policies on minimum public health protocols inside PUVs shall be strictly observed at all times,” the agency said.
“Failure to comply with this MC shall be considered as a violation of the terms and conditions of their CPC, and appropriate penalties shall be imposed against the operator under the provisions of Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01,” it added.
