DOTr Issues New Guidelines for GCQ

Vehicles along EDSA

It seems as though the world is slowly starting to crawl back to normalcy, one step at a time.

Starting last Friday, May 1, public transportation services in moderate and low-risk areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) have resumed operations at reduced or minimal capacity to ensure compliance with strict safety measures against the coronavirus (Covid-19) threat.

Public transportation in the road sector will be available in areas declared under GCQ but we will strictly impose health safety standards at all times to ensure the safety of our drivers and passengers,”  Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary for the Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Richmund de Leon said. 

dotr

DOTr has issued strict protocols/guidelines that all permitted PUVs, transport terminals, and operators must adhere to at all times: Safety, Capacity and Coverage/Scope.

Safety pertains to guidelines that aim to reduce further contact, transmission, and spread of the virus through the mandatory use of face masks and gloves for PUV drivers. Thorough cleaning and disinfecting practices of vehicles, terminals, and even among passengers are also required.

Also required for each mode of transportation are capacity and passenger load factors to ensure that the proper protocol for physical distancing is followed. As per DOTr’s press release: “Passenger load for public utility buses (PUBs) and public utility jeepneys (PUJs) should not exceed 50 percent or half of the vehicle’s capacity, excluding driver and conductor. For UV Express and taxis, passenger load should not exceed two passengers per row, except for the driver’s row where only one passenger is allowed. Tricycles, on the other hand, must not exceed one passenger in the side-car, while backriding will not be allowed.”

On the other hand, private cars and motorcycles are allowed to operate provided that they fulfil the purpose of essential travels as defined by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF). Cars will only be allowed one passenger to occupy the front passenger seat, while succeeding rows of seats shall not exceed two passengers each. Motorcycles however, are still prohibited from having backride passengers. The use of bicycles and similar devices are also highly encouraged, and LGUs are also encouraged to identify bike-lanes, or bike-only roads.

dotr

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin Delgra III noted that the official guidelines state that: “the mode of PUV that will operate in each route in the GCQ areas will be guided by the number of passengers that will be transported.”

“PUV modes with higher passenger capacity such as buses will be prioritized consistent with the Department Order No. 2017-011 or the Omnibus Guidelines on the Planning and Identification of Public Road Transportation Services and Franchise Issuance”.

In areas where buses are not enough to serve the actual passenger demand, or the road characteristics will not permit their operations, PUVMP-compliant vehicles are the next priority. In areas with unavailable buses and modern PUVs, PUJ’s and UV Express may operate. In areas were no other mode of public transportation is available, tricycles may be permitted to operate as determined by the LTFRB in coordination with the corresponding LGU,” Delgra explained.dotr

The process of issuing special permits to allow PUVs to operate is now in motion. Drivers and operators may apply for the permit, free of charge, through LTFRB offices or by email through LTFRB's online channels.

“Social distancing protocols are our priority so we must prioritize vehicles that provide the least physical contact,” Transportation Assistant Secretary for Road Mark Steven Pastor added.

“Modern buses and PUVs have bigger capacity and some are equipped with an Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) which prevent physical contact when paying fare so they are our priority choice to transport people in GCQ areas.”

dotr

The DOTr assured that any private vehicle owner, PUV driver and operator, and private or public transport terminal operators who violate the guidelines will be sanctioned. 

"The DOTr is also calling for the help of enforcement agencies such as PNP and local government units (LGUs) to help ensure that social distancing and sanitation is observed in terminals and vehicles in these municipalities," de Leon claimed.

"Let us all do our part to safeguard the health of all drivers and commuters in the transport sector."

Meanwhile, any mode of public transportation in areas under the extended enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), including Metro Manila, are still prohibited.

 

 

Photos taken from Department of Transportation

 

Also Read: 

Cleanfuel, Total Gives Fuel Subsidy for DOTr's Free Ride for Health Workers

DOTr Free Ride Routes on Google Maps

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • Grab PH, Move It partners hand over goods to Typhoon Kristine-affected areas
    Grab PH, Move It partners hand over goods to Typhoon Kristine-affected areas
    Cesar Miguel . Today
  • Oil firms to conduct mix price adjustments this week
    Oil firms to conduct mix price adjustments this week
    Ruben Manahan IV . Nov 04, 2024
  • Toyota conducts trial run for Hilux BEV prototype
    Toyota conducts trial run for Hilux BEV prototype
    Cesar Miguel . Nov 04, 2024
  • 9th PIMS: Honda Cars PH launches new leasing program
    9th PIMS: Honda Cars PH launches new leasing program
    Cesar Miguel . Nov 04, 2024
  • Porsche 911 Carrera T now available in coupe, cabriolet options
    Porsche 911 Carrera T now available in coupe, cabriolet options
    Ruben Manahan IV . Nov 04, 2024
  • GWM Ora 3: strengths and weaknesses
    GWM Ora 3: strengths and weaknesses
    Cesar Miguel . Nov 04, 2024
  • Spooky journeys: scariest places to drive in PH
    Spooky journeys: scariest places to drive in PH
    Paulo Papa . Oct 31, 2024
  • 5 scary things owners can find in their car
    5 scary things owners can find in their car
    Cesar Miguel . Oct 31, 2024
  • Let’s take a peek inside the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
    Let’s take a peek inside the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
    Cesar Miguel . Oct 30, 2024
  • 9th PIMS: Aftermarket products are a-plenty
    9th PIMS: Aftermarket products are a-plenty
    Cesar Miguel . Oct 29, 2024
  • Here are some ideal destinations and safety tips for the upcoming Holy Week
    Here are some ideal destinations and safety tips for the upcoming Holy Week
    Paulo Papa . Mar 08, 2024
  • Here are some New Year’s resolutions for car owners
    Here are some New Year’s resolutions for car owners
    Paulo Papa . Jan 03, 2024
  • PH auto market: 2023 in retrospect
    PH auto market: 2023 in retrospect
    Paulo Papa . Dec 15, 2023
  • Here’s a holiday gift guide for car enthusiasts
    Here’s a holiday gift guide for car enthusiasts
    Hazel Nicole Carreon . Dec 15, 2023
  • Oil players cut pump prices anew
    Oil players cut pump prices anew
    Paulo Papa . Nov 14, 2023
  • Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Concept: what we have learned so far
    Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Concept: what we have learned so far
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • MG 3 Hybrid Plus: Quick and practical
    MG 3 Hybrid Plus: Quick and practical
    Cesar Miguel . Oct 31, 2024
  • Toyota Avanza G CVT: Dashingly dependable
    Toyota Avanza G CVT: Dashingly dependable
    Paulo Papa . Oct 14, 2024
  • 2022 Honda Civic RS Turbo CVT Honda SENSING: one of sedan segment's major thrusters
    2022 Honda Civic RS Turbo CVT Honda SENSING: one of sedan segment's major thrusters
    Ruben Manahan IV . Sep 25, 2024
  • GAC Emkoo Hybrid: Peppy, efficient powerhouse for the price-conscious
    GAC Emkoo Hybrid: Peppy, efficient powerhouse for the price-conscious
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 23, 2024