The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is now allowing public utility buses to accommodate more passengers beyond their seating capacity.
In a memorandum circular, the LTFRB said low entry or low floor buses are allowed to accommodate a maximum of 15 passengers on standing position inside the vehicle.
For coach-type buses, the maximum allowed extra passengers is 10 and a maximum of five for Modern Public Utility Jeepneys (MPUJ).
"This policy is in compliance with the order of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in order to maximize the use of space in passenger buses without sacrificing the observance of the health safety protocol," the LTFRB said in a statement.
The agency said that bus drivers and operators must ensure that the minimum public healthy safety protocol must be followed at all times.
The policy took effect on Monday, Sept. 26.