Expect more jeepneys to ply Metro Manila roads as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) reopened 10 additional routes in the metropolis.
This means there will now be 227 traditional and modern jeepney routes allowed by the LTFRB under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).
With the opening of more routes, over 16,000 Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) are expected to return to service the transport needs of passengers.
Since June, the LTFRB started a “calibrated and gradual opening of public transportation” scheme in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
“Based on the monitoring and coordination with local government units in Metro Manila, there is a continuous need to open additional routes for traditional PUJs to serve passenger demand,” said the LTFRB.
According to the LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2020-043, the reopened routes are: T138 Edsa/North Ave.-Quezon City Hall; T139 Marcos Ave.-Quirino Highway via Tandang Sora; T340 Dapitan-Libertad via L. Guinto; T341 Divisoria-Retiro via JA Santos; T342 Divisoria-Sangandaan; T395 Libertad-Washington; T396 Baclaran-Escolta via Jones, L. Guinto; T397 Baclaran-QI via Mabini; T398 Blumentritt-Libertad via Quiapo, Guinto; and T399 Blumentritt-Vito Cruz via L. Guinto.
Only traditional jeepneys with valid personal passenger insurance policy on these routes will be allowed to operate even in the absence of a special permit. Those plying in unauthorized routes will be apprehended.
Instead of a special permit, a QR code shall be issued to the operator by the LTFRB prior to operation. The operator can then download the code from the LTFRB website and must be printed on a short bond paper and displayed on the vehicle’s windshield.