Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11311)
The main objective of Republic Act No. 11311 is to improve land transportation terminals, stations, stops, rest areas, and roll-on/roll-off (RORO) terminals by requiring owners, operators, and administrators to provide free internet services and clean sanitary facilities for the comfort and welfare of passengers.
A lactation station is defined as a private, clean, sanitary, and well-ventilated room or area where nursing mothers can wash up, breastfeed or express their milk comfortably, and store it afterward.
Sanitary facilities include at least a combination of comfort rooms and hand-washing facilities with separate restrooms for persons with disabilities (PWDs), males, and females; adequate ventilation and lighting; safe, running water; flush system; toilet seats with covers; lavatory with toilet paper, mirror, soap, hand dryer, door lock; waste bins; and an exclusive space for diaper-changing.
No, it is unlawful to collect fees from passengers for the use of regular sanitary facilities, provided the passenger shows a paid bus ticket for the day. However, separate, deluxe sanitary facilities operated for commercial purposes may charge fees.
Owners, operators, or administrators who fail to comply with the standards for sanitary facilities shall be fined Five thousand pesos (₱5,000.00) for each day of violation.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in coordination with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and other concerned stakeholders, shall ensure free internet access in transportation terminals, stations, stops, rest areas, and RORO terminals.
Lactation stations must be separate from sanitary facilities, clean, and compliant with Republic Act No. 7600 and Republic Act No. 10028 (Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009) and its implementing rules and regulations.
The DOTr, in coordination with relevant government agencies, is tasked to conduct random ocular inspections to ensure compliance with the provisions on sanitary facilities, free internet access, and lactation stations.
They shall be liable to a fine of Five thousand pesos (₱5,000.00) for each day of violation.
The LTFRB must review the applicability and enforcement of the fines after five (5) years from the effectivity of the Act and once every five (5) years thereafter, with adjustments subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Department of Transportation.