The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), through Resolution 69, has adopted the recommendations of the Economic Development Cluster to provide safe, responsive and inclusive public transportation services during the period of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.
Under the said measure, the IATF said government agencies, large corporations and companies registered in economic zones will be required to provide shuttle services for their employees.
For companies that are not financially capable to sustain such provisions, they have an option to adopt alternative arrangements, such as cost-sharing, partial vouchers for the use of Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) to facilitate the transportation needs of their employees.
Service contracting of public utility vehicles (PUVs) will also be implemented to subsidize public transport operations, incentivize PUV operators to return and serve commuters, restore livelihoods of displaced transport workers, among others.
An automated fare collection system (AFCS) will be set-up for all PUVs to promote cashless payments and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
To reduce commuters’ time inside PUVs and in queues, dedicated lanes for PUVs will be set up in major routes, as well as putting more PUV stops and stations.
Similarly, protected bicycle lanes and racks will be set up, together with wider walkways, to make cycling and walking safe, healthy and comfortable for the public.
The IATF has directed the Department of Transportation, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Labor and Employment, and other concerned agencies of the government to issue the guidelines to implement these public transportation recommendations.