The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is now looking to resume the 24-hour operations of public utility vehicles (PUVs), particularly passenger buses, in Metro Manila to cater to the expected influx of passengers with the lifting of curfew hours in the region.
"Nagbigay na ng direktiba si Secretary Arthur Tugade na pulungin ang mga pertinent agencies upang ma-implement na itong 24/7 operations ng public transportation gawa ng paglift ng curfew sa NCR (DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade already issued a directive to convene relevant agencies to implement the 24/7 public transport operations due to the lifting of curfew in NCR)," Transportation Assistant Secretary for Road Transport Steve Pastor said in a virtual media briefing.
Metro Manila mayors earlier agreed to lift the curfew hours in the National Capital Region (NCR) starting Thursday, Nov. 4, for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the lifting of the curfew hours, which was previously imposed as a health measure against COVID-19, more people are expected to go out as it will complement the adjusted mall operating hours of 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Nov. 15 in preparation for the holiday shopping.
According to Pastor, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will issue an official order asking bus operators to ferry passengers round the clock.
The DOTr official added that they met with operators of PUV terminals, including the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) to prepare for the anticipated heavy flow of passengers, especially as the holiday season nears.
"Sisiguraduhin po natin na handa ang ating mga tanggapan at ang mga terminal exchange upang hindi mahirapan ang ating mga kababayan kahit madaling araw na sila sasakay sa ating mga pampublikong transportasyon (We will make sure that our offices and terminals are ready to serve passengers anytime)," Pastor said.
The DOTr already started the gradual increase in passenger capacity in rail and selected road-based PUVs in NCR, Laguna, Bulacan, Rizal, and Cavite.
The 70 percent passenger capacity is now being implemented in trains, buses, jeepneys, and UV Express amid growing demand for public transport as quarantine restrictions are beginning to ease.