LTFRB imposes passenger capacity guidelines on PUVs during ECQ

While Metro Manila is under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from today until August 20, updated guidelines regarding the passenger capacity of public utility vehicles (PUVs) were released by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). This is to be implemented in order to limit the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant among commuters.

Related: NCR to return to ECQ status from August 6 to 20

Below are the passenger capacity guidelines of PUVs outlined by the LTFRB together with the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The following rules shall be effective throughout the entire ECQ period.

Public Utility Bus (PUBs)

50 percent of the vehicle’s capacity
One seat apart
No standing

Public Utility Jeepney (PUJs)

50%of vehicle’s capacity
One seat apart
No standing

UV Express

Maximum of two passengers per row (not exceeding 50% of vehicle’s capacity)
One passenger on driver’s row

Taxis and TNVS

Maximum of two passengers per row
One passenger on driver’s row

Motorcycle Taxis

Limited to a pilot study
Subject to National Task Force (NTF) against COVID-19 guidelines

Provincial Buses

50 percent of the vehicle’s capacity
One seat apart
No standing
Subject to LGU restrictions

Shuttle Service

One-seat apart and other guidelines in accordance with DTI-DOLE JMC No. 2020-04-A

During the strict quarantine period, only authorized persons outside of residence (APOR) will be allowed to ride PUVs, including government employees, emergency respondents, healthcare workers, and many more. That said, commuters must be able to prove that they are an APOR by presenting a valid ID and other important documents. Furthermore, the DOTr ensures that public railway systems such as the Philippine National Railways (PNR), Light Rail Transit 1, (LRT-1), Light Rail Transit 2 (LRT-2), and Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) will continue their operation during the ECQ period.

The following guidelines will be strictly implemented in order to assure the health and safety of the public. The LTFRB, Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT), and IATF authorized personnel will conduct random daily inspections on PUV terminals.