Remember the proposal that the Department of Transportation sent to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases? After being reviewed and approved last October 28, we finally have a definite answer from the agency about the increase in capacity for public utility vehicles. Thankfully, it’s not 100%.

Starting November 4, road-going PUVs and commuter railways can now operate at 70% capacity, with the possibility of increasing to full as time goes by. However, we’ll have to see what rules the DOTr will put in place as jeepneys and buses have a habit of overloading to carry as many people as possible.

This gradual increase will have a one-month pilot run within NCR. The DOTr will work with the relevant government units to ensure that the implementation will be done safely and properly.

Currently, public transportation has a 50% capacity limit. Eventually bringing it back to full will help drivers, operators and commuters brave the rising fuel prices.