Tap PUV as shuttle, firms told

With Metro Manila and other parts of the country under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until 18 August, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) announced on Tuesday that it is encouraging private firms to tap public utility vehicles (PUV) as shuttle service for their employees.

In a statement, the DoTr said that they are appealing to private sector companies to hire or lease PUV like buses, UV Express and modern or traditional jeepneys which cannot ply their usual route during the MECQ, as shuttle service for their employees.

Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Laguna and Cavite are back under stricter lockdown following an appeal from medical frontliners for some “breathing space” given the increasing number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases.

The Transport department also reminded PUV operators and drivers that there is no need to secure a special permit for use of their vehicles as a shuttle service during the modified enhanced community quarantine.

There is no need to secure a special permit for use of their vehicles as a shuttle service during the modified enhanced community quarantine.

The DoTr added that PUV drivers would only need to show the following as proof that they are being used as a private company’s shuttle service — a certificate or authorization letter or letter of intent from the company and the routes they will take.

In other developments, the Transport department has deployed over 100 buses along 20 routes for front liners amid the suspension of public transport in Metro Manila and nearby areas.

In a separate television interview, DoTr Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran said the department’s Road Sector will offer the free rides with the help of other agencies and private sector.

She added that 10 vans will be deployed at the Philippine General Hospital, while two each will be at Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and Asian Hospital and additional deployment of free ride services will depend on the recommendation of the Department of Health.

Citing the policy of the InterAgency Task Force, Libiran said the transportation of other employees should be provided by their respective companies.