While all modes of mass transit are suspended during the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) urged private firms to rent public utility vehicles (PUVs) as shuttle service for their employees.
The LTFRB said in a statement on Tuesday, "Hinihikayat po namin ang mga pribadong kumpanya na mag-hire o mag-lease ng mga pampublikong sasakyan, gaya ng bus, UV Express, at modern o traditional jeepneys na hindi makakabiyahe ngayong MECQ, upang maging shuttle service ng kani-kanilang empleyado (We are urging private companies to hire or lease PUVs such as bus, UV Express, or modern and traditional jeepneys the operation of which have been suspended during MECQ, as shuttle service for their employees.)
According to the LTFRB, the move could help PUV drivers earn amid temporary suspension of their operations for 15 days.
The regulatory body said they will be releasing a list of contact numbers of operators to help private firms who need shuttle service.
The LTFRB added public vehicles will not need to apply for a special permit if they will operate as a shuttle service during MECQ.
However, drivers will be required to secure a certificate or authorization letter or a letter of intent from the company stating the route of the vehicle as proof that the PUV is being utilized as a shuttle service.
Company shuttles have been allowed by the Department of Transportation and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to operate under MECQ provided that they only service 50 percent of its capacity.
Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, and Bulacan was placed again under MECQ beginning August 4 following pleas of medical frontliners to impose a stricter lockdown due to the continuous spike of COVID-19 cases in the country.
With its implementation, all modes of public transport were banned to ferry commuters in areas under lockdown to further minimize the risk of virus transmission.
Aside from company shuttles, public shuttles will also be allowed to transport frontline workers or those who will return to work in allowed industries under the MECQ.