LTFRB: Contact tracing for PUV passengers now mandatory

By Christine Fabro

Mobile application StaySafe.ph for passenger contact tracing will be implemented on all Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said.

A memorandum released on June 21 states that for the next 30 days, all PUV operators must register and comply with data collection in accordance with Data Privacy Act for passenger contact tracing.

LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2021-041 was consolidated through the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 87, S. 20.

According to the memo, PUV operators must:

1. Register to StaySafe.ph application and create a QR code;
2. Post the QR code at entrance doors and inside PUVs where it can be visible to passengers;
3. Require all passengers to use the QR code upon getting into and alighting from the vehicle;
4. Ensure that all data collected in the contact tracing app will be made available to LTFRB;
5. Coordinate with StaySafe.ph in relation to data and information gathering from the passengers.

All public transportation is also reminded to strictly follow and implement the “7 Commandments” for health and safety standards.

These include wearing of face masks and face shields, prohibition of talking and eating, ensuring proper ventilation inside the PUVs, and strict observance of physical distancing. – rir