The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday presented the proposed guidelines for a carpooling program to address the continuing increase in oil prices, adding that it expects to release the final guidelines after Holy Week.
According to MMDA Chairman Don Artes, the initiative is in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to offer immediate solutions to improve the public’s mobility in Metro Manila.
Individuals with private cars may enrol in the carpooling program, while companies may have their own shuttle service for employees.
All authorized vehicles must have a Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) special permit or official QR code and company-identification marking.
Everyone seeking to enrol in the carpooling program may submit the requirements to the LTFRB, including their proposed route plan, fleet list, vehicle details, and passenger eligibility.
Under the program, a point-to-point system will be implemented where one pick-up and one drop-off point will be approved, with no roadside loading or unloading.
Trips will also have limited hours: once in the morning (6 to 9 a.m.) and once in the evening (5 to 9 p.m.), to avoid direct competition with other public transportation.
“Our goal is to make daily trips accessible, convenient, and comfortable for commuters. This could also become a prototype model for other locations in the country,” LTFRB Asec. Vigor Mendoza II said in Filipino, clarifying that the program will not add to the vehicular volume since existing units will be used.
The program will also strictly implement safety standards, including car roadworthiness, driver qualification, and traffic law compliance.
There would also be grounds for revocation of special permits if one violates the set conditions, like the use of public transport, the use of unauthorized cars, or not following the approved route.
The special permit would only remain valid for the duration of the declared state of emergency or the validity declared by the LTFRB.
