PUBs to service 31 rationalized NCR routes by June 1

MANILA: Public utility buses (PUBs) can now apply to service 31 “rationalized” routes in the National Capital Region (NCR), with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) spearheading the authorization of applications starting May 19.

In a Facebook post, the LTFRB rolled out the policies involving the limitations of operations for PUBs upon downgrading of the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in Metro Manila to general community quarantine by June 1. This is through the Memorandum Circular 2020-019 released on May 14.

According to the memorandum, at least 4,600 slots would be given for PUBs that will be approved to service 31 routes in Metro Manila.

The LTFRB also stated that some 550 of the 4,600 slots are designated for units that would pass through Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) to Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).

In addition to the 550 PUBs that would go through the lone route in EDSA, 89 units will be assigned in PITX-Cavite City, 124 in PITX-General Mariano Alvarez, 151 in PITX- Dasmariñas, 132 in PITX-Trece Martires, 127 in PITX-Naic, 156 in BGC-Alabang, 70 in PITX-Alabang, 46 in PITX-Sucat, 181 in Monumento-Angat, 105 in Monumento-San Jose Del Monte, 46 in Monumento-Meycauyan, 86 in North Edsa-BGC, 76 in PITX-NAIA Loop, 183 in Monumento-EDSA Taft, 103 in Ayala-FTI Complex, 105 in Ayala- Biñan, 170 in Ayala-Alabang, 22 in Buendia-BGC, 65 in Kalentong-Pasig, 78 in Gilmore-Taytay, 73 in Cubao-Doroteo Jose, 256 in Cubao-Antipolo, 78 in Cubao-Montalban, 159 in Quezon Avenue-Montalban, 416 in Quezon Avenue-EDSA Taft, 510 in Quezon Avenue-Angat, 173 in North EDSA-Fairview, 54 in Monumento-VGC, 97 in Monumento-PITX, and 116 in Monumento-Balagtas.

Based on the memorandum, bus operators with expired provisional authority (PA), application for CPC extension, and existing or valid certificate of public convenience (CPC) for PUBs are allowed to apply for the new bus routes.

The LTFRB also stated that area-based fleet-managed single operators who can give all the necessary number of compliant units would be prioritized in terms of operation in one of the new routes stated in the memorandum. This is followed by area-based operators who have merged their buses for service on a single route.

The memorandum also reiterated that only one functionally consolidated group would be permitted for each route. No eligible area-based operators on a specific route will be exempted in the consolidation.

It stated that PUBs should have units that are not more than 15 years old, “preferably” have an automatic fare collection system, location tracking, and valid passenger insurance.

As for PUBs applying for the EDSA Loop Service route, the memorandum stated that bus units should have air-conditioning and  two “low-floor, low-entry” doors.

PUBs that will be permitted to ply the routes should also have markings at the sides and front for proper identification of the units. The markings should show colors and codes depending on their classification, number, and route.

Bus conductors and drivers are also required to provide their passengers with contact forms to fill up. Passengers need to indicate their name, contact number, destination, plate number of unit, date and time of the trip, and type of service for efficient contact tracing.

The LTFRB explained that the failure to obtain the contact information of passengers might lead to the cancellation or suspension of the PA or CPC of the bus operator.

The fare for the air-conditioned buses is P13 for the first five kilometers and P2.20 for every succeeding kilometer. For non-air-conditioned buses, the fare is P11 for the first five kilometers and Php1.85 for every succeeding kilometer.

Last April 24, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases released the Resolution No. 28 Series of 2020, allowing the operation of public transportation at a limited capacity in areas under GCQ.

The guidelines of this resolution included contact tracing, penalty, fare rates, bus markings, conditions for the special permit, procedure for operator selection per route, for EDSA loop service, criteria in the selection of operators per route, qualification of bus units to be applied, general requirements for applicants/operators, identified routes, and coverage and resumption of operations.

Photo from LTFRB

Also read: LTFRB: Taxis, TNVS units operating in GCQ must use cashless transaction, DOTr lays down public transportation regulations for GCQ areas