Modern jeeps to resume operations in 15 routes starting June 22

Select public utility jeepneys (PUJs) will be allowed to ply 15 routes starting Monday-June 22, with 19 more routes given the green light for operations later this week.

In an advisory over the weekend, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said some 308 modern jeepneys were found to be compliant with the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG).

They will only be allowed to operate at 50 percent seating capacity, excluding the driver and conductor, to ensure physical distancing. Masks will be required for drivers, conductors, and passengers.

"The resumption of PUJ operations in 15 routes in Metro Manila is part of our calibrated response to restore mass transportation in Metro Manila and in the adjacent provinces as we transition into new normal, taking into consideration the strict health protocols being enforced to prevent the spread of COVID-19," said LTFRB Chairman Marin Delgra III.

The following routes were approved for operations starting Monday, June 22:

1. Novaliches – Malinta via Paso de Blas
2. Bagumbayan Taguig – Pasig via San Joaquin
3. Fort Bonifacio Gate 3 – Guadalupe-Market Market-ABC Loop Service
4. Pandacan – Leon Guinto
5. Quezon Avenue – LRT 5th Avenue Station
6. Cubao (Diamond) – Roces Super Palengke
7. EDSA Buendia-Mandaluyong City Hall via Jupiter, Rockwell
8. Divisoria-Gasak via H. Lopez
9. Punta-Quiapo via Sta. Ana
10. Boni Pinatubo – Stop and Shop, vice versa
11. Boni Robinson’s Complex-Kalentong/JRC vice versa
12. Nichols-Vito Cruz
13. Filinvest City Loop
14. Alabang Town Center (ATC)-Ayala Alabang Village
15. Vito Cruz Taft Avenue-PITX Loop Service

Meanwhile, the following were approved to resume operations later this week:

Wednesday, June 24

1. Bagong Silang - SM Fairview
2. Malanday - Divisoria via M.H. del Pilar
3. Parang, Marikina – Cubao
4. Eastwood, Libis - Capitol Commons
5. Gasak - Recto via Dagat-dagatan
6. PITx – Lawton
7. Alabang – Zapote
8. PITX – Nichols
9. PITX - SM Southmall

Friday, June 26

1. Quirino Highway - UP Town Center
2. SM Fairview - Commonwealth via Regalado Ave.
3. QMC Loop
4. Tikling - Binangonan
5. Antipolo - Pasig via East Bank Road
6. Rosario - Pinagbuhatan Pasig
7. West Avenue - P. Noval via Del Monte
8. Biñan - Balibago via Manila South Road
9. Tramo - Sucat
10. San Isidro - Congressional Junction Dasmarinas

All PUJs were required to be registered with valid personal passenger insurance policies, and must be equipped with a global navigation satellite system (GNSS).

Jeepneys will have to make use of cashless fare payments, and ensure that commuters can make use of their mobile applications or contactless smart cards to pay for fares.

Passengers must be seated one seat apart, with seats marked to indicate that they can be occupied.

"Should jeepney operators wish to maximize the 50 percent passenger load of the unit, impermeable barriers to separate the driver’s compartment and between rows of seats that are less than one meter apart, are allowed to be installed," said the LTFRB.

"PUV operators and drivers who fail to comply with any of the aforementioned conditions will be subjected to the imposition of fines/penalties, and/or cancellation or suspension of their certificate of public convenience or provisional authority under Joint Administrative Circular No. 2014-001," it added. — DVM, GMA News