THE Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) has been apprehending an average of 80 public utility vehicles (PUVs) drivers every day since July 1, 2021, for violating minimum health protocols and overloading.
Arnold Malig-on, operations head of the Team, said they intensified their traffic operations after discovering that PUVs have been complacent in complying with minimum health protocols to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
He said they’ve noticed during their daily random checkpoints that many PUVs are overloaded and social distancing is not observed inside.
Some passengers are seated on a stool placed at the center of a modern jeepney or bus, Malig-on said.
He said some conductors ask these passengers to duck so they wouldn’t be seen or noticed by traffic enforcers.
He said these violations usually take place during rush hour from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Malig-on said they flag down buses, modern jeepneys and traditional public utility jeepneys to check inside and make sure they comply with minimum health protocols.
Even though passengers wear face masks and face shields, some are crammed inside a PUV, which is a violation of the social distancing measure and the 75 percent allowed capacity, he said. That’s why they ask standing passengers or passengers sitting on an extra stool to disembark, said Malig-on.
They also confiscate the extra stools, he said.
Since minimum health protocols have been in effect for more than a year, Malig-on said they immediately issue citation tickets to violators.
He said the fine is P1,000 for each violation. (KFD)