MANILA – Government transportation agencies are set to implement a carpooling program immediately after Holy Week to help ease the burden on commuters amid rising fuel costs.

“After Holy Week, we want to start the program early next week, early after Holy Week,” said Romando Artes during a press conference.

Artes made the announcement following a meeting with officials from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG). Private sector stakeholders and transport groups were also present to discuss the proposed carpooling guidelines.

“Hindi po ito trap (This is not a trap),” Artes added, emphasizing that the program is intended to assist commuters, not penalize motorists.

Proposed guidelines

The carpooling program will initially be available only to companies, factories, offices, and government agencies for employee transport. Pre-listed passengers included in a manifest will be the only ones allowed to ride.

Key provisions of the program include:

• Fixed origin and destination routes with no roadside pick-up or drop-off, no intermediate stops, and no public transport-style operations.
• Operating hours from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with only one trip per time slot. Walk-in or unauthorized passengers are prohibited.
• Operations must be non-profit or cost-recovery; payments arranged through contracts such as monthly or lump-sum agreements, with per-head fare collection prohibited.
• Routes must be pre-approved by the LTFRB in coordination with the MMDA.
• Eligible vehicles include employer-owned or directly operated units; rental vehicles acting as unfranchised public transport are prohibited.
• Vehicles must be five years old or newer and display an LTFRB special permit or QR code, along with company identification markings.
• Permits are temporary and valid only during the declared emergency; they do not replace regular franchise requirements.
• Vehicles and drivers must comply with registration, roadworthiness, licensing, and safety standards.

For enforcement, only LTFRB-approved vehicles will be recognized under the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP). The LTFRB will provide the MMDA with a registry of authorized units for monitoring and traffic management.

Regular inspections will be conducted by the MMDA and LTFRB to ensure compliance. Violations such as operating like public transport, using unauthorized vehicles, unjustified route deviations, and permit condition breaches may result in penalties or revocation of permits.

MMDA-coordinated or company-initiated shuttle programs are required to submit route plans, fleet and vehicle details, proof of ownership or contract, and passenger lists or company certification for approval.