Free internet, clean restrooms required at transport hubs

MANILA, Philippines — Owners of land transportation hubs are now required to provide passengers free internet access and clean sanitary facilities.

President Duterte has signed Republic Act 11311, which seeks to improve land transportation terminals, stations, stops, rest areas and roll-on roll-off (RORO) terminals to ensure the convenience of passengers.

Under the law, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, in coordination with the Department of Transportation, shall ensure that free internet is provided at land transport hubs.

Owners, operators and administrators of land transport terminals, stations, stops, rest areas and RORO terminals are required to provide clean sanitary facilities for passengers.

The facilities should have separate restrooms for persons with disabilities, male and female passengers, adequate ventilation and lighting, safe, adequate and running water supply, flush system, toilet seat with cover, lavatory with toilet paper, mirror, soap, hand dryer and door lock, waste bin and exclusive space for diaper changing.

The law also bars land transport hub owners from collecting fees for the use of regular sanitary facilities. Passengers have to show the paid bus ticket for the day to avail themselves of the free use of sanitary facilities. The provision does not apply to separate, well-appointed or deluxe sanitary facilities operated solely for commercial purpose and for the convenience of passengers who prefer to use them.

Owners of transport hubs are also required to establish at least one lactation station separate from the sanitary facilities.

Transport hub owners who do not comply with the standards for sanitary facilities will be fined P5,000 for each day of violation. The same penalty will be meted on those who charge passengers for the use of sanitary facilities and on those who fail to establish a lactation station.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board shall review the applicability and enforcement of the fines prescribed in the law once every five years. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe