Here are the routes of the modern PUJs to hit the road in GCQ

MANILA: The LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) will allow the operation of 308 modern PUJs (public utility jeeps) starting today and has released the 15 routes that it will be taking.

“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 Martin Delgra III.

Only modern PUJs that have complied with the requirements indicated in the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG) will be allowed to operate in the first day of Phase II of the DOTr’s (Department of Transportation) reopening of public transport. These are PUJs that have already consolidated themselves as juridical entities under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) with valid and existing Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) or have been granted Provisional Authority (PA) for OFG-compliant PUJs operating in the National Capital Region, and those that will be entering Metro Manila from nearby provinces.

Operators with expired PAs or CPCs who are covered by LTFRB Board Resolution No. 062 dated 29 April 2020, LTFRB Board Resolution No. 100 dated 09 May 2020 will also be given the green light to start ferrying the public.

The initial 15 routes in Metro Manila are:

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

Nine more routes will be opened on 24 June 2020 and these are:

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

These 10 additional routes will be added on 26 June 2020:

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

Modern PUJs have to be currently registered, with valid personal passenger insurance policies, has to be equipped with GNSS (global navigation satellite system) or global positioning system, and must use cashless payment system.

Operators and drivers must make sure that commuters can use their mobile apps or contactless smart cards to pay for fares.

Drivers, conductors and passengers must wear face masks at all times, and a disinfecting foot bath must be provided for passengers to use before boarding the PUJ. Strict physical distancing must be observed inside the PUJ.

The passenger load of each PUJ must not exceed 50 percent of its seating capacity (excluding the driver and conductor). Passengers must be seated one seat apart and no standing passengers will be allowed. Seats to be occupied by passengers must be properly marked in the vehicle.

Load can be increased to maximum capacity granted that impermeable barriers are installed to separate the driver’s compartment and between rows of seats that are less than one meter apart.

Modern PUJs must also display the existing fare matrix, Php 11-minimum fare for the first four kilometers (Php 1.50 for each succeeding kilometer) in a non-aircon modern PUJ, and Php 11 for the first four kilometers (Php 1.80 for each succeeding kilometer) in an air-conditioned PUJ.

Non-compliance by PUJ operators and drivers will result in a fine/penalty, and/or cancellation or suspension of their certificate of public convenience or provisional authority under Joint Administrative Circular No. 2014-001.

Also read: Modern PUJs usher fixed-wage salary system

Photos courtesy of the DOTr