LTFRB orders PUVs: No loading, unloading on bike lanes

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered public utility vehicles (PUVs) to stop loading and unloading passengers along bicycle and pedestrian lanes.

The LTFRB said PUV drivers should always observe road safety guidelines and give way to pedestrians, cyclists and users of personal mobility devices.

PUVs must at all times give priority to active transportation, which include walking, cycling and non-motorized transport as well as light mobility vehicles on the road, according to the LTFRB.

Under Memorandum Circular 2021-042, the LTFRB said PUVs are prohibited from crossing, stopping, loading and unloading passengers along dedicated bicycle and pedestrian lanes.

PUV drivers were also reminded to open doors with care, check blind spots and respect bike boxes dedicated for cyclists at intersections.

The LTFRB said the memorandum signed on June 22 aims to promote walking and cycling during the pandemic.

The transport regulator said failure to observe safety guidelines shall be deemed a violation of the terms and conditions of the franchise, which may merit the imposition of fines on PUV operators and drivers.