By Kristine Casampol

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced on Friday, August 5, that it has approved for school transportation services to resume operations ahead of the opening of face-to-face classes this August.

The LTFRB cited Memorandum Circular No. 2022-066, which was signed on July 28, and allows those with an active Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) or Provisional Authority (PA), as well as those with an expired CPC but a pending Application for Extension of Validity, to operate for the upcoming school year.

Transport services with expiring CPCs between March 31, 2022, and August 31, 2022, may apply for an Extension of Validity with the LTFRB waiving penalties.

The LTFRB stated that this was in response to the negative financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on school bus operators and drivers.

"LTFRB will also waive penalties for pending confirmation school service units from March 31, 2020, to August 31, 2022," it said.

The school transport services allowed to operate must also comply with the following conditions:

1. Secured windows (steel-grilled)

2. Seatbelts for all passengers

3. Working portable fire extinguisher

4. "STOP" and "GO" signages to be carried by the conductor when children cross the street

5. Wearing of prescribed uniform by the drivers and conductors.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 in school buses, operators must follow health and safety protocols established by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

These include the following:

1. Regular examination of the drivers and conductors' fitness to work by checking their body temperature and screening for any symptoms of COVID-19.

2. Regular disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, such as but not limited to seats, armrests, and handles.

3. Mandatory wearing of face masks at all times by drivers and conductors, including passengers

The LTFRB reminds school bus operators, drivers, and conductors to strictly adhere to the guidelines to avoid sanctions such as revocation of their CPC and PA.

"Meanwhile, to meet the expected increase in passenger demand at the start of face-to-face classes, the LTFRB is considering opening more than 100 routes, particularly within the university belt and other areas with a high concentration of students," it said.