LTFRB finalizing UV Express guidelines; traditional jeepneys’ fate depends on transpo supply

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is finalizing the guidelines on allowing UV Express units to operate in Metro Manila, a top official of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Thursday.

Meanwhile, the decision on whether traditional jeepneys can be finally allowed to return to the streets in the coming week depends if the current supply of modes of transportation is enough to serve the passenger volume.

In a response to reporters’ queries through Viber messaging, Transportation Assistant Secretary for Communications and Commuter Affairs Goddess Hope Libiran said the LTFRB is “currently drafting the guidelines for the operation of UV Express vehicles.

“Hintayin na lang muna natin ‘yung guidelines na fina-finalize ng LTFRB,” Libiran said.

This, after LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra III told the House Committee on Metro Manila Development on Wednesday that both UV Express and traditional jeepneys will be allowed to operate next week. 

"For Monday may bubuksan na mga UV [Express], and then followed by the traditional jeepneys," Delgra told lawmakers.

The LTFRB chair, however, did not provide an exact date when the traditional jeepneys would be allowed to return on the road.

He said the LTFRB was following a hierarchy in gradually allowing different modes of public transportation to operate after the government suspended their operations following the declaration of an enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila.

This was echoed by Libiran.

“Following the hierarchy of transport, traditional jeepneys may be allowed to operate starting next week, when there is a lack in supply of buses, modern PUVs and UV express...,” she said.

Traditional jeepneys also need to comply with “road worthiness standards, as well as health, safety, sanitation, and security protocols.”

The DOTr earlier announced that there would be two phases to be executed in the resumption of public transportation in Metro Manila as it transitions into general community quarantine.

Under Phase 1, covering June 1 to 21, trains and bus augmentation, taxis, TNVS (transport network vehicle services), shuttle services, point-to-point buses, and bicycles will be allowed to operate with a limited passenger capacity.

Tricycles will also be allowed, subject to the prior approval of the concerned local government units.

Provincial buses will be barred from entering Metro Manila during the June 1 to 21 period.

In Phase 2, covering June 22 to 30, public utility buses, modern PUVs or jeepneys, and UV Express will be allowed to operate, also with limited passenger capacity.

Transport modes allowed under Phase 2 will operate alongside those allowed during Phase 1. — BM, GMA News