Provincial bus guidelines have been issued in QC

The Quezon City government has released new localized guidelines with regards to provincial buses in the area. The new guidelines set up by the city government are in line with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) memorandum circular No. 2020-051. The memo tackles how public transportation especially those related to public utility buses should be handled, especially under general community quarantine and during modified general community quarantine. 

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, has already authorized provincial buses on routes deemed safe by the LTFB to operate. However, she further stated that these buses should “bear the corresponding QR Code for that route and must have it printed by the operator and display conspicuously in front of the windshield of the authorized unit.” To add to that, bus operators will also be required to be in constant communication with the local government especially in the event where emergency stopovers are required. Belmonte further iterates that since these are point to point trips, buses are not allowed to pick up or drop off passengers along their respective routes.

Those that will be utilizing these buses are further reminded by the local QC government to have their documents at the ready in case they may be required. These documents include a PNP issued travel authority/pass that has been issued 48 hours prior to departure, a valid ID as proof of residency/place of origin, as well as a written consent form to undergo COVID-19 testing and or quarantine at the start point or endpoint of the trip. Commuters are further reminded to keep other documents that might be needed at the ready that may be required by the current IATF and LGU guidelines.

With that in mind, authorized bus units should now be able to load and unload passengers at the Araneta Bus Port, to go to and from Region 3 (Central Luzon), via Mindanao Avenue-Congressional Avenue Extension- Katipunan Avenue. 

It is important to note that there will be no fare increase to be imposed by bus operators without the prior approval of the LTFRB. Existing rates will still be applied to these operational bus routes. Bus operators are further encouraged to display their fare matrix at all times to give more information to the passengers. Minimum health standards are to be observed on these buses so expect to have your face mask and face shield at the ready.