The Department of Transportation shared Social Distancing guidelines on the partial operation of public utility vehicles like buses, shuttle service, jeeps, taxis and TNVs and tricycles during GCQ (general community quarantine). To prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus, everyone is urged to practice social distancing or 1 meter distance inside the PUVs.
Drivers and passengers are required to wear face mask. For jeepney passengers, fare must be paid to the driver before entering to prevent close contact. Only 50% of the passenger capacity is allowed for buses and jeepneys.
“Public transportation in the road sector will be available in areas declared under GCQ but we will strictly impose health safety standards at all times to ensure the safety of our drivers and passengers,” said DOTr Assistant Secretary for the Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Richmund de Leon.
All permitted PUVs and transport terminals and operators must adhere to all three essential components dictated in the protocol/guidelines – Safety, Capacity and Coverage/Scope.
Safety refers to guidelines that reduce contact, transmission, and spread of the virus through the mandatory use of face masks and gloves for drivers. Thorough disinfecting practices of vehicles, terminals, and even among passengers are also required.
Capacity and passenger load factors will be required for each mode of transportation to ensure that physical distancing is followed. Passenger load for public utility buses (PUBs) and public utility jeepneys (PUJs) should not exceed 50 percent or half of the vehicle’s capacity, excluding driver and conductor. For UV Express and taxis, passenger load should not exceed two passengers per row, except for the driver’s row where only one passenger is allowed. Tricycles, on the other hand, must not exceed one passenger in the side-car, while backriding will not be allowed.
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