Full seating capacity in PUVs allowed under Alert Level 1

Updated Feb 28, 2022 | Same topic: COVID-19 Updates

Metro Manila shifts to the most lenient COVID-19 alert level.

The National Capital Region (NCR) along with 38 other areas will be placed under Alert Level 1 from March 1 to 15, 2022. This is after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF) approved the amended guidelines for the most lenient COVID-19 Alert Level status.  

Alert Level 1 NCR Public Transport Bus

Metro Manila eases to Alert Level 1 starting March 1 [Photo: DOTr]

Among the new guidelines approved by the IATF is the increase in passenger capacity in public transportation. The IATF is now allowing full or 100 percent seating capacity in public utility vehicles (PUVs) under Alert Level 1. This has also been confirmed by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles. 

However, the PUV passenger capacity will adjust if it is traveling between an area with a higher alert level classification. In such a scenario, the allowed passenger capacity of the area with the higher alert level shall be implemented.       

The use of plastic barriers or dividers, which are typically seen in jeepneys and buses, is also no longer required under Alert Level 1. The IATF added that the Safe, Swift, and Smart Passage (S-PaSS) travel management system is also no longer required for interzonal travel to areas under Alert Level 1.  

Meanwhile, the passenger capacity will be at 100 percent for aviation, maritime, and rail public transport operating in and out of areas under Alert Level 1. 

Alert Level 1 NCR Public Transport

Everyone should remain vigilant despite the less stringent alert level status

As the public transport shifts to having full seating passenger capacity, the IATF is reminding individuals that wearing well-fitted face masks shall be worn at all times. The only exception is when eating and drinking or participating in team and individual sports in venues with proper ventilation.  

In addition, the number coding scheme could also be expanded now that public transport is allowed to have full passenger seating capacity. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) previously said that it is looking at the possibility of expanding the number coding scheme as quarantine restrictions or alert levels ease. 

MMDA number coding

MMDA considers implementing number coding during morning rush hour

The MMDA is studying whether it should also implement the number coding during morning rush hour, which is from 7:00 a.m. to 9 a.m. Currently, the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) runs from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on weekdays, covering private vehicles.  

Read more of the latest updates on COVID-19 Alert Levels in Philkotse.

Martin Aguilar

Martin Aguilar

Author

Martin is a BA Literature graduate from the University of the Philippines Diliman. He started his writing career as an editorial assistant and writer for various magazines under ABS-CBN Publishing. Before being the Content Editor of Philkotse, Martin was a writer for Autoindustriya then shifted gears in 2017 to become the editor for AutoDeal.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martin.aguilar21

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-angelo-aguilar-27456775/

View more