PUV operators urged to look after passengers' welfare

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 17 (PIA)--Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) operators are urged to look after the overall welfare of passengers amid surge of COVID -19 in the region.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-10 Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño, chairperson of the economy cluster of the Northern Mindanao Task Force for COVID-19, emphasized the role of PUV operators in containing COVID-19 pandemic saying, “Our only call to the PUV operators not to wait that they will be watched over.  They themselves should police their own ranks because the COVID issue is serious and we hope they won’t exacerbate the situation. They must make sure to follow the seven commandments for public transport.”  

The seven commandments for PUVs in this time of pandemic are 1) wear masks and face shields, 2) no talking and making phone calls, 3) no eating, 4) keep public utility vehicles well-ventilated, 5) conduct frequent disinfection,  6) no passengers with COVID-19 symptoms are to be allowed inside the public transportation, and 7) observe appropriate physical distancing (“one-seat-apart”) rule.

Cariño said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has been regularly conducting roadside inspections together with the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) to ensure that the guidelines are being enforced for our PUVs.

"Despite the regular conduct of the roadside inspection, the LTFRB cannot cover the entire populace of jeepneys, buses, and taxis. That is why it is of the utmost importance that the PUV operators cooperate in implementing strictly the seven commandments for public transportation within the vehicles that they are operating for the safety of the riding public against COVID-19," she maintained.

She also called on the local government units (LGUs) to complement the efforts of the LTFRB in monitoring the motorelas and pedicabs, as these are not under the jurisdiction of the LTFRB, LTO, and HPG but the LGU.

The lady director reminds the public that there is only so much the government can do and that everyone should do his/her part in ensuring that this COVID-19 will not further spread.

To date, there are already 72 roadside inspections conducted with 107 drivers found violating. (JAKA/PIA10)

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)