Law Summary
Purpose of the School Transport Service Regulation
- To address the transportation needs of schools.
- To ensure the safety and welfare of students.
Definition of School Transport Service
- Exclusive transportation service for school children, "yayas" (nannies), faculty members, and school employees.
- Service limited to specific clients associated with the school, not offered to the general public for hire.
- Payment of fares according to rates set by the LTFRB.
Permissible Types of Motor Vehicles for School Transport
- Vans (specific models and equivalents) with capacity of 10 passengers.
- Jitneys or jeepneys with 12 to 20 passengers.
- Mini-buses with 30 to 49 passengers.
- Buses with more than 50 passengers.
- Passenger count excludes driver and conductor.
Route Restrictions
- No fixed public routes allowed.
- Routes limited to travel to and from the school premises only.
Specifications and Standards for School Transport Vehicles
- Entry and exit doors must be at rear or right side only; no left-side doors allowed.
- Vans must have jump seats removed for easier access and arm rests installed on the right side of first two rows.
- Steel grilled windows with 1-inch mesh size on all sides.
- Seatbelts must be provided for all passengers.
- Portable fire extinguisher must be functional.
- Vehicle markings include dark yellow rectangles and squares with "SCHOOL SERVICE" and caution notices.
- Alternate chevron (black and yellow diagonal) markings at front and rear, visible from 50 meters.
- Ventilation may be ordinary or air-conditioned.
- Maximum vehicle age is 15 years from manufacture date.
Fare Regulation
- Fare rates to be determined and prescribed by the LTFRB.
Application and Documentation Requirements
- Re-application required for all operators with valid CPCs.
- Documents to submit:
- Four copies of verified application.
- Certificate of Accreditation from school authority or PTA President.
- Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration (OR/CR).
- Proof of citizenship (Voters ID or affidavit, Driver’s License, Birth or Marriage Certificate, or Passport).
- Vicinity map of garage location.
- Current Income Tax Return and Taxpayer Identification Number.
- Drivers and conductors must complete "Para sa Super Tsuper" safety training program.
Post-Approval Compliance Requirements Before CPC Decision Release
- Passenger insurance documentation.
- NBI or police clearance for drivers and conductors.
- Portable "STOP" and "GO" signage for conductors during pedestrian crossings.
- Physical vehicle inspection at LTFRB to verify compliance.
- Vehicle Inspection Certificate proving roadworthiness (from LTO).
- Uniform requirements for drivers and conductors including specific attire and training patch.
Basis for Issuance of Franchise
- Compliance with all documentary, vehicle, and personnel requirements mandatory for issuance of CPC decision.
Prohibitions
- No changes in vehicle chassis allowed.
- Operation route limited to one school only; two schools allowed only if adjacent or within 200 meters.
Validity of CPC
- Certificate of Public Convenience valid for five years, expiring on April 1 of the last year.
Other Provisions
- Existing school transport services using AUVs may convert franchises to AUV Express or substitute vehicles to jitneys, vans, mini-buses, or buses exclusively for school service.
- Compliance deadline for operators set at October 30, 2004.
- This memorandum circular takes effect immediately and supersedes inconsistent previous circulars.