PUV hierarchy prioritizes buses in GCQ areas

Public utility buses will be prioritized for deployment in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) as transport officials anticipate lower demand for public transportation.

LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III stated that a hierarchy of public transport will be followed, prioritizing modes with larger passenger capacity such as buses.

Modern jeepneys will be deployed next, followed by traditional jeepneys and vans, to ferry passengers under the reduced capacity guidelines.

All public utility vehicles (PUVs) are mandated to operate at 50 percent capacity to comply with physical distancing protocols.

Mandatory disinfection after every trip and a strict 'no face mask, no travel' policy will be enforced for both drivers and passengers.

Despite the shift to GCQ, the demand for public transport is expected to be lower because certain age groups and individuals with health risks are still prohibited from leaving their homes.

Operators and drivers will be issued special permits by the LTFRB after ensuring compliance with health safety protocols.

The application and issuance of these special permits will be conducted online to minimize physical interaction and adhere to social distancing measures.