DOTr opens 3 bus routes today, to enforce modified number coding on Monday

MANILA: The DOTr (Department of Transportation) launches today three of the 31 routes included the newly formed Rationalized Bus Transit Map of Metro Manila, with three more opening up on Monday 08 June.

These new routes will be a big relief for commuters who have struggled to find modes of transportation to get to their jobs in the first four days of GCQ.

“This is part of our gradual and calibrated approach in the resumption of public transport operations in Metro Manila,” said DOTr Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran.

The first three routes are:

Route 1               Monumento–Balagtas, Bulacan route

Route 17             EDSA–Montalban, Rizal route

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Loop

The LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) is in charge of determining the number of PUBs (public utility buses) to deploy in each route.

On Monday, June 8, another three routes will be added and these are:

Route 3               Monumento–Valenzuela Gateway Complex (VGC)

Route 11             Gilmore–Taytay route

Route 21             Monumento–San Jose Del Monte route

Private motorists are being reminded that the modified number-coding scheme is set to be implemented on Monday as well.

MMDA Regulation 2020-001 series of 2020 stipulates that all private vehicles with two or more passengers, including the driver, who are physically-distanced and are wearing masks will be exempted. Also, excused are owner-driven private vehicle of doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel.

Government employees, people working in essential businesses such as telecommunications, water, media, and those in the list of APOR (authorized persons outside residence) will also not be cited for "coding" violations.

TNVS (transport network vehicles service) units are required to put a visible sign so they can be recognized by enforcers.

Photo from DOTr

Also read: DEVELOPING STORY: MMDA to implement modified coding scheme in GCQ