Public utility vehicle operators and passengers must now use the StaySafe.ph contact tracing application, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
The board has mandated that all PUV operators switch their contact tracking mechanism from handwritten forms to the mobile app, according to Memorandum Circular No. 2021-041, which takes effect on June 21. It goes on to say that this is in keeping with a resolution made last year by the government’s pandemic task group, which mandates that public transportation units obtain a Safety Seal, which involves integrating the StaySafe app into their operations.
Operators have 30 days to comply with the following guidelines:
- Create their own QR code in the app.
- For the convenience of passengers, display the QR code at the entrance door and inside the vehicle.
- When boarding the car, all passengers must use the code.
- When the data is needed, make it available to the LTFRB.
- Collaborate with the StaySafe app to collect and use data gathered during contact tracing.
Failure to comply with these requirements will be considered a violation of the IATF Health protocols, and the appropriate sanctions will be implemented, according to the agency.
Source: LTFRB