In the Philippines, the public transport system is managed and organized by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). These agencies employ a strategic approach, all of which are outlined in the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) and the LTFRB Department Order No. 2017-011.

The LPTRP, in particular, refers to the plan detailing the route network, mode, and required number of units per mode for delivering public land transport services prepared by Local Government Units (LGUs) and approved by the DOTr and the LTFRB. As a matter of policy, and in accordance with the LPTRP, the various modes of public transportation follow the hierarchy of roads, prioritizing modes of transit with higher capacity modes in the allocation of Certificates of Public Convenience (CPC) and the establishment of transit right-of-way on trunk lines and main thoroughfares. The general rule also allows these higher capacity modes to routes currently traversed by lower capacity modes, but not otherwise. The said rule also excludes taxis, TNVS, tourist transport, and shuttles as they are door-to-door services.

Overview of the Public Transport Service in the Philippines

In order to better understand this, we listed the different classes or types of public transport options available in the country, along with the subtypes and the routes or roads they are allowed into. These classifications reflect a commitment to efficiency and accessibility and are used as the basis for the issuance of CPCs and transit right-of-way. The guidelines are also designed to reduce the public’s reliance on private vehicle use and move toward environmentally-sound public mobility solutions via the development and promotion of high quality public transportation systems in the movement of people and goods, rather than vehicles. The LTFRB is tasked to implement these guidelines and to encourage and require the consolidation of operators and the establishment of bigger coordinated fleets of PUVs.

The guidelines outline national standards and international safety conventions for different classes of Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs). Emphasizing reliability, safety, accessibility, environmental friendliness, and comfort, the guidelines require PUVs to adhere to these standards throughout the country. Key safety measures include compliance with national standards, well-lit stops, fire extinguishers, speed limiters, CCTV installation, and the prohibition of tinted windshields and windows. Real-time information sharing through GPS receivers is encouraged for the benefit of both commuters and operators.

Types of Public Transport Service in the Philippines

The public transport systems in the Philippines are classified as follows:

Public Utility Buses (PUBs): Rolling Arteries of Urban Transit

Routes: Arterial roads, highways, expressways, and collector roads.
Services: Regular, Airconditioned, Express, P2P, Shuttle, Loop, Premium, Limited Stop.
Fare Collection: Distance or zonal as LTFRB authorizes.
Body Make: Coach with specified features.
Features: GNSS, Wi-Fi, CCTV, AFCS, compliance standards, lay-over/garage requirements.
Year Model: Chassis and engine must be current.

PUBs, ranging from regular to air-conditioned, express, point-to-point (P2P), shuttle, loop, premium, and limited stop services, dominate arterial roads, highways, expressways, and collector roads. With a meticulous focus on specifications, including coach design, features like GNSS receiver, free Wi-Fi, CCTV, and compliance with environmental standards, PUBs shape the backbone of urban mobility.

Mini-Buses: Tailored Transit for Specific Corridors

Routes: Arterial roads, highways, expressways, and collector roads.
Services: Regular, Airconditioned, Loop, Shuttle, Express.
Fare Collection: Distance or zonal as LTFRB authorizes.
Body Make: Mini-coach with specified features.
Features: GNSS, Wi-Fi, CCTV, AFCS, compliance standards, lay-over/garage requirements.
Year Model: Chassis and engine must be current.

Mini-buses, serving routes with passenger demand up to 5,000 passengers per hour per direction, cater to corridors where demand might not justify larger buses. These versatile vehicles, with options such as regular and air-conditioned services, operate along major roads and collector routes, ensuring efficient transit with features mirroring those of PUBs.

Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs): Icons of Urban Mobility

Routes: Arterial, collector, local roads; not on EDSA or national highways.
Fare Collection: Distance or zonal as LTFRB authorizes.
Body Make: Vehicle below seven meters.
Features: GNSS, Wi-Fi, CCTV, AFCS, compliance standards, lay-over/garage requirements.
Year Model: As per LTFRB specifications.

Jeepneys, vibrant and cultural symbols, dominate urban commuting. Originally repurposed military jeeps, their unique designs reflect the creative spirit of Filipino culture. Jeepneys have been specifically designed for routes with passenger demand up to 1,000 passengers per hour per direction, making it a crucial feeder service linking communities via the city or municipal roads.

UV Express Services: Community Connectors

Routes: Arterial, collector, local roads; not on EDSA or national highways.
Fare Collection: Distance or zonal as LTFRB authorizes.
Body Make: Vehicle below seven meters.
Features: GNSS, Wi-Fi, CCTV, AFCS, compliance standards, lay-over/garage requirements.
Year Model: As per LTFRB specifications.

Specifically designed for routes with passenger demand up to 1,000 passengers per hour per direction, UV Express Services serve as crucial feeder services. While confined to city or municipal roads, they link neighborhoods and communities to mass transit lines, bus routes, and key areas. The emphasis on GNSS receivers, Wi-Fi, CCTV, and compliance with environmental standards ensures modernity in these traditional modes.

Tricycles: Navigating Local Terrain

Routes: Fixed routes within specified local areas.
Fare Collection: Distance or zonal as LTFRB authorizes.
Body Make: Motorcycle with sidecar. Three-wheeled.
Features: GNSS, AFCS, compliance standards, lay-over/garage requirements.
Year Model: As per franchise application.

Tricycles gracefully maneuver through narrow streets, providing personalized transport. Governed by Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, series of 2008, tricycles are confined to city or municipal roads, avoiding national roads. They are limited to routes not covered by higher transport modes.

Filcab Service: Tricycle Replacement and Local Connectivity

Routes: Fixed routes within specified areas.
Fare Collection: Distance or zonal as LTFRB authorizes.
Body Make: Mini-Jitney/Multicab.
Features: GNSS, AFCS, compliance standards, lay-over/garage requirements.
Year Model: As per franchise application.

Targeting routes with a maximum demand of 500 passengers per hour per route, Filcab services act as replacements for tricycles in areas where their operations are restricted. Operating on fixed routes within specified areas, these mini-jitneys prioritize local connectivity while adhering to the LPTRP specifications and features.

School Services: Safe and Secure Student Transit

Route: School to residence with a valid contract.
Fare Collection: As authorized by LTFRB.
Body Make: Van, Mini-coach, coaster, or coach.
Features: GNSS, Wi-Fi, CCTV, speed limiter, compliance standards, lay-over/garage requirements.

Dedicated to school-to-residence routes subject to valid contracts or school authorization, school services encompass vans, mini-coaches, coasters, or coaches. With safety features such as front-facing seating arrangements, individual seat belts, and compliance with GNSS, Wi-Fi, CCTV, and emission standards, these services prioritize the well-being of students.

Taxis: Door-to-Door Contract-Based Transit

Operation: Door-to-door service.
Fare Collection: Metered or coupon as approved by LTFRB.
Body Make: Van, Sedan, Utility Vehicle, SUV, or similar.
Features: GNSS, Wi-Fi, CCTV, dashboard camera, compliance standards, lay-over/garage requirements.

Taxis offer door-to-door services with specific body makes, seating arrangements, and modern features. With a focus on adherence to LTFRB specifications, these services provide flexible and convenient transit options for individuals with specific travel requirements.

Transportation Network Vehicle Services (TNVS): Door-to-Door Convenience

Operation: Door-to-door service.
Fare Collection: Pre-arranged fare as authorized by LTFRB.
Body Make: Van, Sedan, Utility Vehicle, SUV, or similar.
Features: GNSS, Wi-Fi, CCTV, dashboard camera, compliance standards, lay-over/garage requirements.

TNVS are just like taxis. They offer pre-arranged door-to-door services with specific body makes, seating arrangements, and modern features. With a focus on adherence to LTFRB specifications, these services provide flexible, convenient, and comfortable transit options for individuals with specific travel requirements.

Tourist Transport Services: Tailored Experiences for Visitors

Operation: Transport services for tourists.
Fare Collection: Based on contract overseen by LTFRB.
Body Make: Coach, Mini-coach, Coaster, Van, Car, SUV.
Features: GNSS, Wi-Fi, CCTV, speed limiter, compliance standards, lay-over/garage requirements.
Requirements: DOT endorsement for franchise application.

Dedicated to transporting tourists with a focus on contracts and oversight by the LTFRB, tourist transport services utilize a variety of vehicles. Coaches, mini-coaches, coasters, vans, or cars ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for visitors, complemented by modern features and compliance with environmental standards.

Shuttle Service: Flexible and Contract-Based Transit

Operation: No fixed route.
Fare Collection: Based on contract overseen by LTFRB.
Body Make: Same as bus and/or mini-bus.
Features: GNSS, Wi-Fi, CCTV, speed limiter, compliance standards, lay-over/garage requirements.

Operating without a fixed route, shuttle services offer contract-based transit with features mirroring those of buses and mini-buses. These services provide flexible options for organizations and businesses, adhering to the LPTRP and LTFRB specifications.

Route Connectivity Policy

The Route Connectivity Policy emphasizes the role of PUBs and Mini Buses on major roads, while PUJs, Filcabs, and UV Express Services may provide intermodal transfers at bus stops on minimal portions of PUB corridors.

New or Developmental Routes

The guidelines also address new or developmental routes, ensuring minimal overlap with existing routes of up to 25% and allowing for restructuring based on marked changes in trip patterns and demands.

Summary

The detailed specifications and classifications of public transport modes, including Public Utility Buses (PUBs), Mini-buses, Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs), and others, are governed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Each mode, from its seating arrangements to technological features, adheres to specific guidelines. These guidelines, defined by the LPTRP, reflect the DOTr’s and the LTFRB’s commitment to efficiency, connectivity, and modernity. As the nation evolves, so too does its approach to transit, ensuring that the diverse needs of the commuting public are met with a comprehensive and well-organized transportation network.