DOTr set for Phase II of public transport reopening

MANILA: Get ready for more modes of PUVs (public utility vehicles) on Monday, June 22, as the DOTr (Department of Transportation) prepares for the second phase of public transport reopening.

Despite remaining in the same quarantine level until the end of June, there will be more PUBs (public utility buses), and expect modern PUJs (public utility jeeps), and UV Express units to begin plying their routes.

“Alam ko po sa June 22 (I know that on June 22), they will implement the next phase of the DOTr. That will continue whether or not we are in GCQ,” said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.

It is still unclear at this point if provincial buses will allowed to resume operations.

“The question mark po are the provincial buses because I know that while under GCQ e parang wala pa. Wala pang provincial buses (they’re still not allowed),” added Roque.

Traditional PUJs are still not allowed to operate. However, some units are currently being utilized as courier units by the private and public sector.

“I think it will happen that at the very minimum, ang mga jeepney drivers ay magiging (jeepney drivers will be tapped to do) delivery service,” said Roque.

PUJs will be allowed to operate if Metro Manila upgrades to MGCQ (modified general community quarantine) after June 30. LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) Chairman Martin Delgra has now identified at least 100 rationalized PUJ routes.

“Orihinal na plano talagang hindi na sila papayagan muli. Eh kasi talaga imposibleng mag-social distancing. So kung nagsalita po si Chair Delgra na baka pupuwede na sa June 30, iyan po talaga ay mabuting balita dahil bagong polisiya po iyan (The original plan was they were not be allowed. Because it is impossible to observe physical distancing. But when Chair Delgra said that it might be possible on June 30, that’s good news because it’s a new policy),” said Roque.

The DILG, on the other hand, is hesitant to allow PUJs to start operations.

Also read: DOTr eyes hiring PUJs as delivery units, opens more bus routes

Photos courtesy of the Department of Transportation