What you need to know about MMDA, LTFRB's proposed carpooling program
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board have proposed implementing carpooling to help motorists and commuters amid the fuel price hikes.
In a press conference on March 30, MMDA Chairman Don Artes shared that under the draft guidelines, anyone can enroll their car for the carpooling program. It also states that private companies can start their own shuttle service.
"Ito po ay malaking mababawas sa pampublikong transportasyon at ganun din po sa konsumo ng gasolina," he added.
While the guidelines have yet to be finalized, Artes and LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza shared details about how the program will be implemented. Here's what you need to know.
How will it work?
Carpool drivers will be issued a special permit, a QR code, showing that they are authorized to operate in case they are stopped on the road.
Requirements to apply for carpooling are still being discussed, but Mendoza said there'll be two payment models: a contribution system amongst the passengers and another wherein the driver will charge a fee for the ride. The latter will require a franchise, while the other will need a permit.
Mendoza added that the application for the temporary special permit will also be done online. He also said that the LTFRB eyes relaxing restrictions on cars allowed to be used for the program.
According to the draft guidelines, carpool operations will be limited, as they shouldn't function like a PUV. Trips must only be point-to-point, with one pick-up and one drop-off.
"Hindi po pwedeng magsasakay, magbababa sa iba't ibang lugar, pero pwede naman kunyari isang lugar kayo bababa kayo sa Ortigas, pwedeng mga ilang stop sa Ortigas siguro, pag-uusapan depende po sa application," Artes said.
Additionally, carpool trips may be limited to two a day, with one trip per time slot in the morning and in the evening. Routes will be approved by the LTFRB and MMDA.
The Department of Transportation and the LTFRB will also set parameters on fares, but Artes has called on aspiring applicants not to capitalize on the program.
"Sana hindi gawing for profit, or kung meron man, siyempre kailangan din ma-recover yung pang-gasolina, pang-maintenance ng sasakyan, and then yung pang-parking niya siguro dahil kung magdadala siya ng sasakyan. Pero huwag naman po sana rin kumbaga na [samantalahin] na pagtubuan ng sobra-sobra," he said.
The agencies aim to start implementation after Holy Week.
The carpooling program comes amid rising fuel prices. Mendoza reported that there are 30,000 fewer cars on EDSA since the price hikes, but the number of commuters increased. Foot traffic in the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchanged reach 180,000 a day from 160,000 a day.
"Yung mga dati-rati sigurong madadala ng kotse papunta sa kanilang probinsya, they are now opting to take public transportation," he said.
"Nakikita rin po natin yan sa number of passengers sa TNVS. We can see right after the fuel crisis, nagkaroon ng uptick."
Firms like UniOil and PetroGazz have announced price hikes effective March 31. Diesel prices surge by P12.50 per liter, while gasoline prices go up by P2.50 per liter.
Meanwhile, Seaoil is keeping gasoline prices the same, but shared that diesel prices are going up by P12.50 and kerosene by P2.
Last week, the Department of Energy warned that diesel prices would reach over P140, while gasoline reached P112.
