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MANILA, Philippines – Fares for all types of public transportation will not increase once the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) is lifted in Metro Manila and other areas.
This is not an additional burden on the traveling public, which has been negatively affected by the quarantine period, the chairman of the Ground Transportation Franchise and Regulation Board (LTFRB), Martin Delgra, said Monday.
“We do not want to increase the burden of public transportation at this time, so LTFRB, in consultation with DOTr, decided not to increase the fare for all types of public transportation that may be on the road,” he said during a committee hearing. Senate public services.
The ECQ in Metro Manila is expected to expire after May 15, however, the government has yet to decide whether or not to expand or place some areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ).
According to GCQ, mass public transportation will be allowed, but with some restrictions due to public health considerations, Delgra said. Physical distancing, among other non-pharmaceutical interventions against COVID-19, should be followed.
READ: Mass transportation suspended across Luzon under enhanced quarantine
Public vehicles must first obtain special permits from the LTFRB before they are allowed to travel the road. They may not be able to run their regular routes either, as this will also depend on LTFRB and local government units.
Delgra explained that the units with the largest capacity to transport passengers will have priority in the issuance of special permits, therefore, modern buses will receive first modern jeepneys and then traditional jeepneys.
“If the buses are not enough, modern jeepneys will enter. If the modern jeepneys will not be enough, traditional jeepneys will also receive a special permit,” he said.
Vehicles will only be able to accept passengers half their original capacity to practice physical distancing inside the vehicles.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has created a financial package for operators and drivers to help them run their routes, considering that they will only take half of their capacity.
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For more information about COVID-19, call the DOH hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.
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