Smoking Ban and Terminal Regulations
- Smoking or carrying lighted tobacco products is prohibited inside terminals, garages, and PUVs.
- Mandatory display of "No Smoking" signs in terminals, garages, and PUVs.
Prohibition on Service Cessation and Unlawful Acts
- Service cessation as a form of protest against government actions is prohibited and punishable by suspension or cancellation of CPC.
- Operators must prevent personnel from engaging in acts prejudicial to the riding public, including intimidation, coercion, and violence.
Passenger Information and Non-discrimination
- Operators must provide complete information and assistance for efficient service.
- Unlawful to show undue preferences or unjust discrimination in service.
Trade Names, Design, and Advertising
- Except for PUJs, operators must adopt a commercial or business name approved by the Board.
- Custom designs, color schemes, and advertising materials require prior Board approval.
Registration and Use of PUVs
- Registration of motor vehicles must not be fictitious or unauthorized.
- Operation of vehicles other than those authorized under the CPC is prohibited.
Fare Structure and Passenger Classification
- Fare rates must conform to Board authorization; posting of Fare Matrix is mandatory.
- Children under 1 meter ride free; those 1 to 1.30 meters pay half fare with necessary markings for verification.
- Senior citizens, persons with disability (PWDs), and students are entitled to fare discounts in accordance with laws and rules.
Accessibility and Accommodation for PWDs
- Display the International Symbol of Accessibility on units.
- Designated seats required for PWDs with specific minimum numbers depending on bus type.
- Facilities in terminals such as ramps, wider doors, and designated benches are mandated.
- Charging higher fare or refusal to transport PWDs violates anti-discrimination provisions.
Route Operation and Unit Identification
- Operation limited only to routes authorized in the CPC.
- Prohibited from illegal use of license plates or vehicle parts.
- Vehicles shall bear legible inscriptions including operator’s name, seating capacity, route, plate number, and business name if applicable.
Passenger and Freight Loading Regulations
- Passenger capacity limits must be observed.
- Passengers allowed 10 kg of free baggage; excess is chargeable.
- Freight must not interfere with passenger safety or comfort.
- Transport of animals restricted to fowls with conditions; no cadavers unless no other passengers.
Loading and Unloading Procedures
- Vehicles must load/unload passengers or freight at the curb or designated areas.
Ticketing and Fare Collections
- PUB and Taxi operators must issue BIR-compliant tickets/receipts indicating fare amount, embarkation, and destination.
- Taxi meters must be subject to semi-annual testing and sealing by the Board.
Employment Standards for Personnel
- Operators must employ courteous personnel with good moral character and valid licenses.
- Hiring restrictions include persons convicted of serious crimes without Board approval.
- Mandatory training/seminars for drivers and other personnel, including orientations and examinations.
- Uniforms and IDs required according to specified designs and colors for different transport modes.
Reporting and Fees
- Annual report submission to the Board by May 15 every year along with SSS contribution certification.
- Payment of supervision and regulation fees by September 30 annually.
- Franchise confirmation required prior to vehicle registration; failure to confirm for two years causes cancellation.
Compliance with Laws and Markings
- Compliance required with Social Security Act, labor, tax laws, and all relevant regulations.
- Vehicles must display operator info, business name, seating capacity, authorized route, case and plate numbers.
- Special signage requirements for PUBLIC UTILITY vehicles including "Not Available," "On Call," "Garage," route signs, and "Full" signs.
Restrictions on Inappropriate Materials
- Pornographic videos and violent films prohibited in PUV units.
Accident Reporting and Safety
- Operators must maintain chronological accident records and report serious accidents within 72 hours.
- Preventive suspension of CPC may be imposed for safety concerns.
- Operators must provide immediate assistance to accident victims; failure results in penalty.
- Mandatory road safety seminars for operators and personnel.
Penalties
- General violations: 1st offense – fine P2,000; 2nd offense – fine P3,000 plus 60-day suspension and confiscation of plates; 3rd offense – fine P5,000 and CPC cancellation.
- Violations on accessibility (Paragraph 14): fines from P50,000 to P100,000.
- Serious offenses (Paragraphs 17 and 18) handling accidents: suspensions and cancellations up to perpetual disqualification.
Effectivity
- Circular supersedes inconsistent issuances and took effect 15 days after publication and filing with UP Law Center.