Additional routes for more than 900 traditional jeepneys in the capital region will be opened by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) once the modified lockdown is lifted, the agency announced on Wednesday.
Based on the Memorandum Circular 2020-029A of the LTFRB, 15 routes were supposed to be launched in Metro Manila last August 5 to service 968 traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs).
However, operations of all modes of public transportation, including PUJs, have been suspended following the enforcement of MECQ in Metro Manila and nearby provinces from August 4 to 18.
The LTFRB said that the following routes will be opened after the MECQ:
- Malabon - Monumento via Acacia
- Cielito- Novaliches via Zabarte
- Novaliches - Deparo via Susano
- SM Fairview - Lagro Subd. Loop
- Meycauayan, Bulacan - Bignay
- Pantranco - Project 8 via Roosevelt
- Forbes Park - Pasay Rd. via Ayala Commercial Center
- Pasig - Taguig via Maestrang Pinang, Tipas
- Marikina - Paenaan
- Katipunan - Marcos Ave/Tandang Sora
- Cabrera - Libertad
- Arroceros - Cubao via España
- Quiapo (Barbossa) - Santol, Sta. Mesa
- Dagat-dagatan - Delpan via Divisoria
- Quiapo - San Miguel via Palanca
Under the circular, units to service the approved routes could ferry passengers even without a special permit, but the agency reminded operators and drivers that a QR code will be required.
The operator may secure the QR Code by downloading it from the LTFRB website at www.ltfrb.gov.ph/puj-service-mc-2020-029, and must be printed and displayed in the corresponding unit, the agency added.
The LTFRB also reminded commuters that the existing fare of P9 for the first four kilometers and P1.50 for succeeding kilometers should be followed and no fare adjustment shall be applied unless approved by the Board.
In addition, the LTFRB said the unit must be registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) as "roadworthy" and has a valid Personal Passenger Insurance Policy.
Other requirements also include the strict observation of safety protocols of the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) such as monitoring of body temperature, wearing face masks, compliance in social distancing guidelines, as well as the operation of 50 percent maximum passenger capacity.
Meanwhile, drivers, conductors and commuters were reminded to observe the latest guidelines of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on the mandatory wearing of face shield starting August 15.
The LTFRB warned that failure to comply with the guidelines set by the Board will incur penalties such as imposition of fines or cancellation or suspension of the Certificate of Public Convenience or Provisional Authority of the unit.