The LTO and DOTr are still required to conduct a study regarding child car seats in PUVs

Many have been opening their concerns with regards to the safety of child occupants in PUVs. After much buzz was generated by the Republic Act 11229 or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, it seems that concerned agencies must study and look into finding feasible solutions in order to reinforce child seats on Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs).

As stated in Section 9 of the Republic Act 11229, “The DOTr shall conduct a study and recommend to Congress the use of child restraint systems in public utility vehicles such as jeepneys, buses, including school buses, taxis, vans, coasters, accredited/affiliated service vehicles of transportation network companies, and all other motor vehicles used for public transport”. 

Considering the factors and other parameters surrounding this recommendation, it is quite challenging to fit child seats on other Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs). Take a jeep or bus, for example, the seating layout of both vehicles would perhaps complicate the installation of child seats. Apart from that, most PUVs do not come with seat belt anchors which is a vital component for Child Restraint Systems (CRS). Hopefully, LTO might just find a way to integrate the special seats in order to successfully implement this in the future.

On the other hand, selected PUVs including some taxis and Grab vehicles are able to fit child car seats. Granted that sedans, hatchback, MPVs, and others are already fitted with ISOFIX child seat tethers. That said, if the LTO and DOTr push to require car seats on smaller PUVs, then it should be possible in this case.

Do take note that this is still a recommendation, and it doesn't necessarily mean it will soon become a rule for PUVs. Perhaps, it might take some time before the LTO and DOTr will deliver some suggestions on how they can put these child seats on other PUVs.