Private firms urged to hire PUVs as shuttle service

FILE: PUV MODERNIZATION. The Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, a comprehensive system reform that will entirely change the public land transportation industry, features a regulatory reform and sets new guidelines for the issuance of franchise for road-based public transport services. It devolved the function of route planning to the local government units as they are more versed in the terrain and passenger demand within their respective territorial jurisdiction. (Contributed photo via PNA)v

MANILA – To provide transportation to workers that will be affected by the impending suspension of public transportation in areas under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) called on private companies to hire public utility vehicles (PUV) as shuttle service.

In a statement on Monday, the LTFRB said PUVs such as buses, UV Express units, and modern or traditional jeepneys may be hired by private companies to provide transportation for its workers.

“Hinihikayat ng LTFRB ang mga pribadong kumpanya na mag-hire o mag-lease ng mga pampublikong sasakyan, gaya ng bus, UV Express, at moderno o traditional jeepneys na hindi makakabiyahe ngayong MECQ upang maging shuttle service ng kani-kanilang empleyado (The LTFRB encourages private companies to hire or lease PUVs such as bus, UV Express, and modern or traditional jeepneys that would not be able to make a living during MECQ as shuttle service for their employees),” the LTFRB said.

To help encourage the use of PUVs, it said there will be no special permit required for PUVs that will serve as shuttle service during the next 14 days of MECQ aside from proof provided by the company that the PUV was leased as a shuttle service.

“Kailangan lamang ay magpakita ng certificate/authorization letter o letter of intent mula sa kumpanya, na may nakasaad na partikular na ruta, bilang patunay na ang pampublikong sasakyan ay ginagamit na shuttle service (They only need to show a certificate/authorization letter or a letter of intent from the company, indicating a particular route, to serve as proof that the PUV is being used as a shuttle service),” the LTFRB said.

Following President Rodrigo Duterte’s announcement of a shift into MECQ in the National Capital Region and the provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna starting Tuesday (August 4) midnight, public transportation will be suspended as part of previously announced guidelines for MECQ.

This would include all rail services, buses, jeepneys, taxis, and transport network vehicle services — including tricycles with some exceptions subject to guidelines set by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and local government units.

For private transport, company shuttles are allowed but limited to only 50 percent of its maximum passenger capacity, while personal vehicles may only carry a maximum of two persons per row.

Furthermore, bicycles, motorcycles, and e-scooters are allowed for authorized persons outside of residence — with e-scooters subject to existing traffic regulations.