The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has decided to conduct a 30-day pilot study of the gradual increase in passenger capacities in public transport vehicles in Metro Manila and its nearby provinces.
The decision was made after the Covid-19 task force approved the increase in operational capacity from the existing 50% to 70% for all public road vehicles and rail transportation roaming around Metro Manila as well as Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna.
The pilot run will commence on November 4.
Four to five additional passengers will now be allowed to be accommodated by traditional jeepneys under the new scheme. Moreover, standing passengers are now allowed for modern jeepneys.
Public utility buses can now also accommodate standing passengers. However, the one-seat-apart policy still remains.
Commuters are still highly advised to follow health protocols like wearing of face masks and face shields. Ronald Espartinez