Modernised jeepneys have been allowed again in Metro Manila since yesterday, as the shift towards a new sense of normalcy continues.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said 308 units would initially ply 15 routes in the metropolis after complying with the requirements set by the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines.
LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra 3rd said the move was part of the government’s “calibrated response to restore mass transportation in Metro Manila and in the adjacent provinces as we transition into the ‘new normal,’ taking into consideration the strict health protocols being enforced to prevent the spread of Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019).”
The routes are Novaliches-Malinta via Paso de Blas; Bagumbayan Taguig-Pasig via San Joaquin; Fort Bonifacio Gate 3-Guadalupe-Market Market-ABC Loop Service; Pandacan-Leon Guinto; Quezon Avenue-LRT 5th Avenue Station; Cubao (Diamond)-Roces Super Palengke; EDSA Buendia-Mandaluyong City Hall via Jupiter, Rockwell; Divisoria-Gasak via H. Lopez; Punta-Quiapo via Sta. Ana; Boni Pinatubo-Stop and Shop; Boni Robinson’s Complex-Kalentong/JRC; Nichols-Vito Cruz; Filinvest City Loop-Alabang Town Center-Ayala Alabang Village; and Vito Cruz Taft Avenue-PITX Loop Service.
Nine more routes will be opened tomorrow: Bagong Silang-SM Fairview; Malanday-Divisoria via MH del Pilar; Parang, Marikina-Cubao; Eastwood, Libis-Capitol Commons; Gasak-Recto via Dagat-dagatan; PITX-Lawton; Alabang-Zapote; PITX-Nichols; and PITX-SM Southmall.
The jeepneys, however, must be equipped with a global navigation satellite system and use cashless fare payments.
Drivers, conductors and passengers must wear face masks at all times, drivers or operators should provide a disinfecting foot bath for passengers to use before boarding the jeepney, and physical distancing must strictly be observed inside the vehicles.
The passenger load should not exceed 50% of each unit’s seating capacity. Non-aircon jeepneys will collect a minimum of P11 for the first 4 kilometres (km) and P1.50 for each succeeding kilometre.
Air-conditioned units will collect P11 minimum fare and P1.80 per km after the first 4km.
The LTFRB said UV Express operations might be allowed before the end of the month, as transportation officials have yet to finalise the guidelines.
“We are exhausting all efforts to balance our mandate in transportation with our responsibility of helping prevent the spread of Covid-19.
That is why we are observing a gradual and calculated approach for the resumption of public transportation particularly in areas under GCQ (general community quarantine),” Delgra said.