THE DEPARTMENT of Transportation is considering revamping the routes of public utility vehicles to provide safe and smooth trips to students who will return to their classrooms in August.

Officials of the DoTr coordinated with the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education and Department of the Interior and Local Government in planning for the resumption of face-to-face classes.

They also met with officials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to discuss on-site learning and vehicle availability.

Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista said they will push for fleet rationalization or revamping public utility vehicle routes.

“Meron pong isang grupo na gumagawa ng study. Unfortunately, parang hindi pa natatapos ‘yung kanilang full study sa fleet rationalization and we will work closely with them para matapos na natin ‘yan bago mag-start ‘yung face-to-face classes,” he said.

Malacañang said last week that the country will begin full in-person classes in September.

However, the Passenger Forum Convener earlier claimed that the public transportation system in the National Capital Region does not motivate students to go back to school.

“While we understand that many sectors are already calling for a return to face-to-face classes, we are just saying that the government should be wary of the additional demand to our already heavily-burdened public transport system,” Passenger Forum Convener Primo Morillo said.