LTFRB-7 issues transport protocols for Cebu

CEBU, Philippines —  The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-7 has bared the public transportation protocols for Cebu Province and the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu amid the stricter quarantine measures due to the prevalence of COVID-19 cases.

LTFRB-7 Director Eduardo Montealto, in his order dated August 6, 2021 addressed to operators of public utilities in in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu, stated that public transport is allowed with special permit at a reduced capacity in accordance with the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force of Emerging Infectious Disease.

The order stated that for public utility buses and public utility jeepneys, both modern and traditional, only 75 percent of the vehicle’s capacity shall be allowed and passengers shall observe the one seat apart rule with permeable barrier  and no standing passengers be allowed.

For UV Express, a maximum of two passengers per row and one passenger on the driver’s row shall be observed.

For premium taxis, taxis and TNVS, a maximum of two passengers per row and one passenger on the driver’s row shall be enforced while the driver’s cubicle shall be enclosed with permeable barrier.

For shuttle services, vehicles shall be allowed to operate, subject to physical distancing (one seat apart).

For the ventilation on air-conditioned PUVs, windows must be open at least two inches for proper ventilation inside the vehicle.

In a separate order, Montealto said that buses bound for provincial routes should enter the Cebu South Bus Terminal/Cebu North Bus Terminal to get trip receipt/QR Code for health protocol.

In Cebu province, the air-conditioning units in buses, jeepneys, UV Express, premium taxis, taxis and TNVS, shuttle services operating in Cebu Province are also ordered turned off.

Air-conditioned buses, mini buses, modern jeepneys, and vans with fixed windows are allowed to operate only from Friday afternoon until Monday morning, provided the driver’s and rear windows, entrance and exits are fully open and the air-conditioning system is turned off.

“Operators and drivers shall regularly disinfect their units especially seats, barriers, armrest and handles with disinfecting agents,” the two orders read.

Montealto emphasized that even if the air-conditioned units of the vehicles are turned off, the usual fare for air-conditioned units shall still apply.

All transport sectors, he added, must strictly enforce the seven commandments inside the public transport.  These are: no facemask, no face shield, no ride; no talking and no telephone calls; no eating; keep PUVs well-ventilated; conduct frequent disinfection; no passengers with COVID-19 symptoms are to be allowed inside the PUVs; and always observe physical distancing rule.

“All special permits are deemed cancelled if the operator has unsettled pending violation. No special permit is tantamount to colorum operations,” Montealto stated. — JMD (FREEMAN)