More PUJs to be allowed once Metro Manila returns to GCQ, LTFRB vows

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday said more units of public utility jeepneys (PUJs) will be allowed to ply through Metro Manila roads once quarantine restrictions are eased, possibly by August 19.

LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra made the remark during the virtual hearing of the House Committee on Transportation.

"Please be assured that when hopefully the restriction will ease up by August 19, there will be more PUJ that will be running on the streets of Metro Manila," Delgra told lawmakers in the panel.

According to him, while public transportation, except for shuttle service, has been suspended since Metro Manila was reverted to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), their team has been meeting regularly to discuss the adding of more PUJ units.

"Hindi lang PUJ, though we are focusing on PUJs because it has the most number of public utility vehicles, but also on the buses as well as the UV," he said.

Delgra also said that aside from the units themselves, they will also add additional routes for PUJs.

"Please be assured that when we open on August 18, we will increase the number of PUJ routes," he said.

In an earlier advisory, the LTFRB said additional 968 traditional PUJs will be allowed to ply 15 routes in the National Capital Region for the expected return to GCQ on August 19.

President Rodrigo Duterte placed Metro Manila and surrounding provinces under MECQ beginning August 4 in response to the call of the medical community as health workers are already exhausted due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases being brought to hospitals. —KBK, GMA News