THE passenger capacity of public utility jeepneys (PUJs) and public utility buses (PUBs) operating in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu will only be 75 percent while these local government units are under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).
That means a PUJ that carries 12 passenger can only carry nine, while a PUB that carries 40 passengers can now only carry 30.
The tri-cities are under the second most stringent quarantine level until Aug. 15, 2021 to slow down the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 cases.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 Director Eduardo Montealto Jr., in an order he issued on Saturday, July 31, said public transportation is allowed in areas under MECQ at a reduced capacity and as long as operators have special permits to operate.
Montealto said passengers must observe the one-seat-apart rule and there must be no standing passengers inside PUJs and PUBs.
He said provincial buses with only authorized persons outside of residence as passengers are allowed as long as these are point-to-point trips.
For UV Express, taxis and transport network vehicle service (TNVS), the LTFRB 7 only allows a maximum of two passengers per row and one passenger on the driver’s row.
For shuttle services, the one-seat-apart rule must be observed.
Glass windows of air-conditioned public utility vehicles (PUVs) must be scrolled down at least two inches to ensure proper ventilation.
Montealto said after Aug. 15, all issued special permits will be deemed canceled unless there is an extension.
Operating without a special permit is illegal, he said.
Other modes of transportation like privately owned and/or dedicated service under government initiative, among others, are allowed as long as these observe sanitary and minimum health protocols prescribed by health authorities.
In Cebu City, some of the protocols in riding and operation of PUVs, including PUJs, PUBs, taxis, TNVS, authorized motorcycle taxis, van-for-hire (V-hire) and shuttle services have been changed.
The revision was made in coordination with the LTFRB 7.
The protocols that should be implemented inside PUVs while the city is under MECQ include:
* proper wearing of face mask ans face shield;
* no talking;
* no eating;
* opening of all windows and doors for proper ventilation;
* regular disinfection;
* barring symptomatic passengers from boarding the vehicle through checking of body temperature;
* maintaining proper social distancing by following the barriers installed;
* no overloading (no standing; no double-seating or “sabak”; and no person allowed to hang on the rear of the PUV or “kapyot”); and
* compliance to passenger safety capacity.
Failure to follow protocols means penalties will be imposed on the PUV operator, driver, conductor and passenger/s.
In a Facebook post of the Cebu City Transportation Office on Aug. 1, penalties entail temporary detention or payment of a fine. (WBS, JJL)