Legal basis and controlling DOTC classification
- Item No. 2 of DOTC Department Order No. 97-1097 provides the standard classification for all public land-based transport conveyances.
- Under that DOTC classification basis, LTFRB applications for a franchise to operate “Public Utility Jeepney” may propose specific vehicle and service features.
Policy objective and franchise application guidance
- The circular sets the allowable vehicle features, route concepts, fare basis, and operating conditions for Public Utility Jeepney franchises.
- The circular provides operational standards that franchise proposals may follow when using the “Public Utility Jeepney” classification.
- The circular regulates acceptance of franchise applications during an existing moratorium through a petition rule.
Defined public utility jeepney features
- Applications proposing “Public Utility Jeepney” operations must align with the vehicle features below.
- The proposed unit must have a seating capacity of 12–32, excluding the driver.
- The proposed unit must meet a gross vehicle weight of 2,500 kgs. and above and/or 70 kg/pax.
- The vehicle body make must be jitney type/AUV.
- Routes must be fixed (regular, limited stop or express) or variable within a specified area as authorized.
Route, ventilation, and fare basis
- Routes are fixed as regular, limited stop, or express, or are variable within a specified authorized area.
- Ventilation may be either ordinary or air-conditioned.
- Fare must be based on distance or zonal fare as authorized by the LTFRB.
Operating conditions and geographic limits
- Public Utility Jeepney operations may carry passengers, freight, or both for provincial operations.
- Operation is discouraged along major materials in urban areas.
- Ceiling distance is imposed unless authorized otherwise, with:
- 15 kms. for urban routes, and
- 30 kms. for inter-urban/provincial routes.
Moratorium on new franchise applications
- The circular applies “in the meantime and until further notice” due to the existing moratorium on acceptance of new applications for franchises to operate public utility vehicles.
- During the moratorium, only petitions are accepted for consideration.
- Accepted petitions must not involve or result to additional units.
Modification, supersession, and revocation
- The circular modifies the applicable rules governing Public Utility Jeepney operations accordingly.
- Any issuances or parts inconsistent with the circular are modified, and superseded/revoked to the extent of inconsistency.
- All inconsistent provisions are displaced by the operating standards and petition acceptance rule in this circular.