Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police Gen. Guillermo Eleazar directed the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) to assist and coordinate with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) with their 30-day pilot study of the gradual increase in the number of passengers allowed in public utility vehicles.
Eleazar said the PNP-HPG is ready to extend any form of assistance during the pilot run, aside from ensuring that minimum public health standards are strictly observed by the riding public.
“Makikipag-ugnayan ang Highway Patrol Group sa DOTr para umalalay sa pilot run ng dagdag na passenger capacity sa ating mga PUVs,” he said.
“Bukod sa pagtiyak na nasusunod ang minimum public health standards sa mga pampublikong sasakyan, handang tumulong ang PNP sa iba pang paraan para maging matagumpay ang 30-day pilot run na ito.”
The pilot run was scheduled after the National Task Force Against COVID-19 approved the increase in operational capacity from the current 50% to 70% for public road-based and rail transportation plying Metro Manila and the nearby provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna.
The DOTr said the pilot run will begin on Nov. 4.
In this latest development in the transportation sector, traditional jeepneys will be allowed to accommodate an additional four to five passengers while modern jeepneys may accommodate standing passengers.
Moreover, public utility buses can allow standing passengers although the one-seat-apart policy remains.
Eleazar said the pilot study will determine if public transportation can be returned to its full operational capacity amid the pandemic.
The PNP chief reminded commuters to continue observing health protocols to prevent the spread of the virus in public utility vehicles.
“May plastic barrier man o wala, may law enforcer man o wala, ang kaligtasan ng bawat isa laban sa COVID-19 ay nasa kamay ng bawat driver at pasahero. Kaya sa mga kapatid nating driver ng mga pampasaherong sasakyan, huwag na sanang mauwi sa sitahan pa ang bagong patakarang ito dahil alam ninyo na kayo din naman ang magdurusa kung kayo ay mahuli,” Eleazar said.
“Kasama sa pagluwag ng patakarang ito ang pagtitiwala sa inyo ng pamahalaan na kayo ay magiging disiplinado at responsible sa kaligtasan ng inyong sarili at kapwa pasahero,” he added. (PNP-PIO) – jlo
