Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board allowed once again standing passengers in buses.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced that a maximum of 15 standing passengers are allowed for low-floor buses, 10 for coach-type buses, and 5 for modern jeepneys.
The agency said violators (drivers and operators) of the restrictions on standing passengers in public utility vehicles (PUVs) will be penalized of P5,000.
LTFRB board member Mercy Jane Paras-Leynes said a maximum number of standing passengers has been set for every PUV, the GMA News reported.
“Kapag nahuli po sila na lumabag, sumobra doon sa number of maximum passengers o kaya hindi nag-observe ng public health protocols, maari po na magkaroon sila ng multa na P5,000 para sa violation of their franchise terms,” Paras-Leynes said.
The pandemic isn’t over, the circular still imposes certain limits on allowing standing commuters in PUVs.
Based on Memorandum Circular No. 2022-070, public utility bus (PUBs) and modern public utility jeepney (MPUJs) Class 2 will be allowed to have standing passengers subject to the following conditions:
· For Low Entry/Low Floor PUBs, only a maximum of 15 standing passengers are allowed, with at least one person apart;
· For Coach-type PUBs, only a maximum of 10 standing passengers are allowed, with at least one person apart and;
· For MPUJs-Class 2, only a maximum of 5 standing passengers are allowed, with at least one person apart.
The LTFRB said the minimum public health safety protocols would continue to be enforced to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Failure to follow the circular will be regarded as a violation and subject to the punishments outlined in Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01, which includes the suspension or revocation of a PUV's license.
Tags: #LTFRB, #limittostandingpassengers, #PUV