The regional office of the Land Transportation and Regulatory Board (LTFRB 11) reminded drivers and operators of the Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs) to keep the limited passenger seating capacity or be fined P5,000.
The reminder came in the aftermath of the lifting of required plastic barriers.
“Magbabayad ang mga drivers/operators ng P5,000. Physical distancing is a must,” said Nonito “Dondon” Llanos III, regional director of LTFRB said in a text message.
Based on Section 2 of the Circular No. 11 series of 2021 posted by LTFRB 11 on physical distancing inside the PUJs, it stated that notwithstanding the non-requirement of the use of barriers in PUVs, the 0.30-METER distance between each passenger as required under LTFRB MC No. 2020-047 inside the PUVs shall continue to be observed.
The maximum seating capacity per public utility vehicle under MC 2020-047, the number of passengers allowed (with a front-seat passenger) for PUJs is 13 from the original seating capacity of 23 and 22.
On November 2, 2021, the city government of Davao announced that it will no longer require the mandatory use of motorcycle barriers and installation of plastic barriers on the jeepneys and other public utility vehicles to separate passengers effective immediately.
Under Executive Order No. 63 Series of 2021, or an order providing for the lifting of the use of motorcycle barriers, jeepney, and other public utility vehicle barriers, these barriers will no longer be required, however, the use of these safety measures are still encouraged.
