The Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Friday, Aug. 5, has allowed school transport services to resume operations ahead of the resumption of face-to-face classes in August.
Through the Memorandum Circular No. 2022-066, LTFRB allowed “those with active Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) or Provisional Authority (PA) as well as those with expired CPC but with pending Application for Extension of Validity to operate for the coming school year.”
Meanwhile, transport services with expiring CPCs from March 31 to Aug. 31 are allowed to “file an application” for extension of validity with the LTFRB waiving penalties.
LTFRB allowed the resumption of transport services to address the financial needs of the operators and drivers of school services who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The school transport services allowed to operate must also comply with the following conditions:
- Secured windows (steel-grilled)
- Seatbelts for all passengers
- Working portable fire extinguisher
- “STOP” and “GO” signages to be carried by the conductor when children cross the street
- Wearing prescribed uniforms by the drivers and conductors.
Operators should also follow the following health and safety protocols mandated by the Department of Health and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases:
- Regular examination of the drivers and conductors’ fitness to work by checking their body temperature and screening for any symptoms of COVID-19.
- Regular disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, such as but not limited to seats, armrests, and handles.
- Mandatory wearing of face masks at all times by drivers and conductors, including passengers
LTFRB is reminding operators, drivers and conductors of school transport services to closely adhere to the guidelines to avoid sanctions, such as revocation of their CPC and PA.
LTFRB said it is also considering opening over 100 routes in areas where there are “high concentrations of students” to meet the expected increase in passengers as face-to-face classes resume. –KC/gb
