Manila Bulletin
DOTr insists on increased PUV passenger capacity, identifies NCR as pilot area
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is proposing to the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to allow public utility vehicles (PUVs) in Metro Manila to operate at 100% sitting capacity.
This proposal aligns with Metro Manila's shift to Alert Level 3 and the higher vaccination rate, which allows for increased passenger capacity as business operations grow.
DOTr Assistant Secretary Mark Steven Pastor confirmed that the agency submitted a formal position paper to the IATF last Friday and is ready to defend their recommendation in a meeting on Thursday, Oct. 28.
Pastor stated that the recommendation for 100% capacity is supported by available medical literature.
The DOTr is pushing for Metro Manila as the pilot implementation area for its proposal to increase passenger capacity.
Senator Imee Marcos had previously questioned the DOTr's inaction on PUV drivers' requests to increase passenger capacity, particularly amidst rising oil prices.
The DOTr also welcomed a P1 billion allocation from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to fund cash grants for PUV drivers facing rising oil prices.
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The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will implement a 30-day pilot study of the gradual increase in passenger capacities in all forms of public transport in Metro Manila and nearby provinces starting November 4.
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The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has approved a gradual increase in passenger capacity for public transportation in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
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The Philippine National Police (PNP), particularly the Highway Patrol Group, will assist the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in a 30-day pilot study to gradually increase public transport passenger capacity.
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