Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday clarified that carpooling is allowed as a practical response to rising fuel prices, but stressed that it must not be used as a profit-making venture.
“Pinapayagan ang carpooling bilang praktikal na solusyon, lalo na sa ganitong mga sitwasyon na ramdam ang pagtaas ng gasolina,” said MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III on “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.”
(Carpooling is allowed as a practical solution, especially in situations like this where fuel price increases are strongly felt.)
“Pero malinaw at gusto nating linawin ulit, this is for private arrangement only. Hindi ito dapat i-take advantage at gawing colorum operation. Hindi negosyo ang carpooling. Car sharing ito, hindi singilan ng pamasahe,” he added.
(But to be clear, and we want to emphasize again: this is for private arrangements only. It should not be exploited and turned into a colorum operation. Carpooling is not a business. This is car sharing, not a fare-charging system.)
The government has drafted proposed guidelines for carpooling, but these have yet to be finalized. Under the proposal, the program will be open to companies, factories, offices, and government agencies for employee transport.
It will not be open to the general public, and only pre-listed passengers included in a manifest will be allowed to ride, Torre said.
The program must also operate on a non-profit or cost-recovery basis.
The MMDA warned that individuals operating illegal carpooling services will face penalties.
“May multa at mai-impound ‘yan ng tatlong buwan. ‘Yan ang penalty sa illegal operation,” Torre said.
(There will be a fine, and the vehicle will be impounded for three months. That is the penalty for illegal operations.)—MCG, GMA News
