SAN JOSE, Antique – Beginning March 1, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Antique Police Provincial Office (APPO) will randomly inspect public utility jeepneys (PUJs) to check if minimum health protocols against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are being followed.
The inspection begins on March 1.
At a joint meeting with the Antique Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), PUJ operators and drivers here on Friday, LTO Antique director Jovanni Gasapo discussed Memorandum Circular 2021-2189 issued on May 12, 2020 setting regulations in areas under general community quarantine.
PUJs are allowed to operate at only 50 percent of their seating capacity to maintain safe physical distancing between passengers.
The PUJ passenger should pay directly to the conductor or driver.
Seats and handles of jeepneys have to be disinfected right after each trip to make sure they are clean for the next set of passengers.
There have to be non-permeable barriers between passengers.
PUJs should provide foot disinfectants.
Drivers, conductors and passengers should wear face shields and facemasks all the time.
Violators will be meted with the following penalties:
* P5,000 fine for the first offense
* P10,000 fine and the PUJ will be impounded for 30 days for the second offense
* P15,000 fine and cancellation of the PIJ’s Certificate of Public Convenience for the third offense
Meanwhile, Antique IATF for COVID-19 spokesperson Margie Gadian said they will look into complaints of double charging by some PUJ drivers.
She said she would inquire with the Land Transportation and Franchising Board (LTFRB) Regional Office 6 what would be the prevailing fare rate. (PNA/PN)
