PUV operators warned to keep capacity at 70%, violators to face sanctions

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday ordered public utility vehicle (PUV) operators to ensure that passenger capacity is capped at 70%, amid the shift back to Alert Level 3 in Metro Manila.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on January 2, 2022 issued their respective memorandums warning land-based transportation stakeholders and operators that violators could face fines and having their units impounded.

“[T]he non-observance of health protocols onboard PUVs or a violation of the 70% maximum passenger capacity order are considered violations of franchise conditions,” the DOTr said in an emailed statement.

Penalties for violating PUV franchise conditions could range from hefty fines to the impounding of the involved PUV, while drivers could also face additional criminal complaints.

The latest issuances come as the National Capital Region returned to Alert Level 3 starting Monday, January 3, which will last until January 15, 2022, following the steep increase in new COVID-19 infections in the country.

The Philippines on Sunday recorded 4,600 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases, bringing the country’s active case tally to 21,418. The total caseload now stands at 2.851 million which includes 2.778 million recoveries, and 51,570 deaths.

“With the continued rise of COVID-19 cases in NCR, the DOTr enjoins our land-based transport operators to remind passengers to strictly observe minimum health protocols and ensure that the maximum allowable passenger capacity is followed,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said in the statement.

“We cannot let our guard down. Following the government’s minimum health protocol is for our greater good. We must remain vigilant so we can reverse the uptick of cases in the country,” he added.

All train lines will also remain operating at 70% capacity, along with the implementation of random antigen testing of consenting and volunteering passengers.—AOL, GMA News