LTFRB Opens 20 Routes to Metro Manila for Over 2,000 UV Express

 The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has opened 20 routes in Metro Manila for the travel of 2,428 UV Express units starting November 1, 2020.

Based on the issued Memorandum Circular 2020-066, roadworthy PUVs can travel with a valid and existing Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) or Application for Extension of Validity, and each unit on the routes contained in the MC must be registered with the Personal Passenger Insurance Policy.

Although such UV Express Units are allowed to travel without a Special Permit, there is a QR Code that will be issued to each operator which must be placed on short bond paper and posted on PUV. The QR Code can be downloaded from the LTFRB official website.

The following routes are opened based on the MC:

1. N38 Karuhatan – North Road Rail Station Terminal (NRRS) (Trinoma)
2. N39 Karuhatan-SM North EDSA/Trinoma
3. N40 Robinson’s, Novaliches – Vito Cruz
4. N41 Robinson’s Place, Novaliches – Buendia
5. N42 Rosario (Pasig) – McKinley Hills (Taguig)
6. N43 San Bartolome – MRT (North Ave.)
7. N44 San Roque (Marikina)- Commonwealth Market
8. N45 SM Fairview – Buendia
9. N46 SM Fairview – T.M. Kalaw via Commonwealth
10. N47 SM North C.I.T. – T.M. Kalaw
11. N48 SM South Mall – Quiapo
12. N49 Southmall – Lawton
13. N50 Sto. Niño (Marikina) – Ayala
14. N51 Sto. Niño (Marikina) – Ortigas Center
15. N52 Sucat (Parañaque) – Lawton (Park ‘N Ride)
16. N53 Tandang Sora (Visayas Ave.) – T.M. Kalaw
17. N54 Trinoma Mall – Robinsn’s Mall, Novaliches via Commonwealth
18. C62 Rodriguez (Montalban) – Araneta (Cubao)
19. C63 Rodriguez – Cubao
20. C64 Montalban Central Terminal – Cubao Central Terminal

The agency reiterates that there will be no fare hike on such UV Express, unless ordered by the LTFRB.

In addition, the following '7 Commandments' will be strictly enforced on all public transportation, which is recommended by health experts: 

1. Always wear a face mask and face shield; 
2. No talking and talking on the phone; 
3. It is forbidden to eat; 
4. Always maintain proper and adequate ventilation in PUVs; 
5. Always perform disinfection; 
6. Passengers with COVID-19 symptoms are prohibited from boarding public transportation; and 
7. Always follow the physical distancing rule ('One-Seat Apart' rule).

The LTFRB also reminds UV Express operators and drivers to follow the agency's policies. Anyone caught violating the MC's provisions will be subject to the appropriate penalties, such as fines and removal of their CPC or PA.