No Overcrowding Allowed in Jeepneys, PUVs, and Buses: LTFRB

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has warned public-utility vehicle operators that packing commuters beyond the legal limit is illegal. The rules themselves aren’t new, but the agency says it's tightening enforcement following the directive of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon.

Operators caught exceeding their vehicle’s capacity could face penalties under Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01, which includes fines, suspension, or even the loss of a franchise. The advisory also points out that PUVs should have markings inside the vehicle showing the maximum number of passengers allowed—and that number should not be ignored. 

Also read: 10 Times We Really, Really Hated Commuting in Metro Manila 

According to the LTFRB, UV Express units like the Toyota Hi-Ace and Nissan Urvan should carry no more than 10 passengers including the driver. Longer or extended versions of these vans may seat up to 12, but never more than the manufacturer’s specified capacity. Meanwhile, AUVs such as Mitsubishi Adventure and Isuzu Crosswind are capped at nine people, including the driver. 

Jeepneys—whether traditional or modern—can take in up to 32 passengers, but operators are expected to stay within what the vehicle is actually designed to carry. 

For modern jeepneys that permit standing passengers, the number is capped at five people per square meter of standing space, based on the standards set by the DOTr. The same rule applies to buses, but with one major restriction: no standing passengers at all for long routes. 

For regular city buses, seated capacity may go beyond 50 passengers, but total occupancy must still follow the manufacturer’s limits. As mentioned, all PUVs are required to display these capacity markings clearly inside the vehicle.