Question & AnswerQ&A (DOTC DEPARTMENT ORDER NO. 2004-52)
The purpose is to include Asian Utility Vehicle (AUV)/Van Express Service as an additional type of public transport service and amend Department Order No. 97-1097 to regulate this new service category.
The types of vehicles include Asian Utility Vehicles such as Toyota FX/Revo, Mitsubishi Adventure, Isuzu Crosswind and similar body types, and Vans such as Toyota L-300 (non-FB type), KIA Besta/Pregio, Nissan Urvan, and similar body types.
For AUVs, the seating capacity is nine (9) including the driver (2 in front, 3 in the middle, and 4 at the back). For Vans, it is eleven (11) including the driver (3 in front, 2 at the back of the driver, 2 in the middle, and 4 at the back). Jump seats are not allowed and should be removed.
AUV/Van Express Service routes must be fixed routes subject to approval by the Board. They shall not directly compete with MRT/LRT, PUB, and PUJ routes. A maximum of 25% direct co-routing with PUB and PUJ routes may be allowed and routes are terminal-to-terminal with no loading/unloading stops between origin and destination.
The maximum allowable age is ten (10) years reckoned from the date of manufacture of the vehicle.
The maximum route distance is 15 kilometers for intra-regional routes and 35 kilometers for inter-regional routes.
Yes, vehicles must be air-conditioned as per the ventilation requirement set in the order.
Operators without valid franchises are considered operating illegally and must pay a compromise fine and penalties of ₱30,000 for breach of franchise terms, in addition to regular fees and charges under Department Order No. 2001-82.
Yes, such petitions may be considered upon payment of the required compromise fines and penalties and compliance with the guidelines for AUV Express Service vehicles.
The order took effect fifteen (15) days following its filing in three (3) copies with the UP Law Center as required by Memorandum Circular No. 11 dated October 9, 1992.