By Alec Go
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced Friday that an additional 60 traditional jeepney routes and 190 provincial bus routes will be opened next week.
The decision came after recommendations were made to further expand the capacity of public transportation to ease the burden of commuters nationwide, and to stop the operations of colorum vehicles (those without the franchise to ply routes).
Around 1,800 traditional public utility jeepneys (TPUJs) are expected to return to the road with the opening of 60 routes in Metro Manila, while at least 2,600 provincial public utility buses (PUBs) will operate in 190 routes entering and exiting Metro Manila.
The operations of provincial buses, however, will still depend on the requirements and restrictions of local government units that determine whether or not to open their borders.
There are currently 745 open public utility vehicle routes in Metro Manila, where an estimated 53,441 PUVs have been allowed to operate. These make up 76% of all public vehicles operating in the National Capital Region.
The DOTr clarified that there is no fare hike yet, unless announced and approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
Meanwhile, commuters are advised to obey public transportation health protocols to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
