Resolution urging DOTr to increase PUV seating capacity filed in Congress

MANILA, Philippines — A resolution was filed on Wednesday (December 16) in the House of Representatives (HOR) urging the government to allow an increase in the seating capacity of public utility vehicles (PUV) and to defer the implementation of the cashless transaction in expressways.
The House Committee on Transportation submitted its report and recommendations on how to address the problems in public transport.
House Resolution 1409 urges the DOTr to increase the number of roadworthy public utility vehicles to address the transportation shortage.
Committee Chairperson Representative Edgar Sarmiento explained that during the period of interpellation and debate earlier that the resolution was primarily for jeepneys.
The lawmaker noted that public utility vehicles already have barriers installed in the seats so full capacity may be allowed subject to health protocols implemented by the Inter-Agency Task Force.
The increase in the seating capacity of PUVs will also help the economy to recover.
He added that operators are complaining about their losses during the past months of the pandemic.
“Sana naman kami nakikiusap na kung may barriers lang pwede na po siguro na magkaroon na ng full capacity basta may plastic barriers,” asked Committee Chair Rep. Edgar Sarmiento.
Meanwhile, the Committee also urged the DOTr, through the House Resolution 1417, to defer the implementation of the cashless transaction in expressways to January next year.
Sarmiento said that operators should address the issues floated during the previous implementation such as heavy traffic.
Speaker Allan Velasco previously urged the DOTr to move the full implementation of the cashless transaction to March 2021. — MNP (with reports from Rey Pelayo)