Starting November 4, the public utility vehicle (PUV) capacity will increase from 50 percent to 70 percent. This applies to all PUVs in Metro Manila and adjacent provinces. Even the railway sector will also increase its capacity to 70 percent.

Last October 28, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has approved the recommendation of the Department of Transportation and the LTFRB to implement the gradual increase in passenger capacity in public transportation, including road and railway systems, for one month until they reach full capacity.

Moreover, plastic barriers will no longer be required. LTFRB said they are no longer needed as long as proper physical distancing is observed, and that passengers practice health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of Covid-19. LTFRB also emphasized that they did not require these plastic barriers back then.

“Hindi ‘ho DOTr ang nag-require na magkaroon ng plastic barrier sa pagitan ng mga pasahero ng pampublikong sasakyan gaya ng jeepney. Ang inilabas na protocol ng DOTr noon ay ang pag-install ng plastic barrier upang ihiwalay ang drayber sa pasahero noong tayo ay nasa GCQ noong nakaraang taon,” Delgra said.

Furthermore, the increase in passenger capacity will help cushion the impact of the pandemic and the recent hike in fuel prices on the livelihood of PUV drivers and operators, according to the agency.

As for the railway sector, the LRT 1, LRT-2, MRT-3, and PNR will increase their passenger capacity from the current 30 percent to 70 percent.

nevertheless, the DOTr reminded the public to observe the required health protocols despite the 70 percent increase in PUV capacity.