Tighter spaces will be required in the observance of physical distancing protocols for public transportation passengers starting Monday next week.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) explained that the original one-meter physical distancing will be reduced to 0.75 meters. This will be slashed anew to 0.5 meters after two weeks, and to 0.3 meters after another two weeks.
Due to the adjustment, passengers of buses and Class II modern PUVs will be allowed to stand in the middle aisle beginning Monday. The passenger capacity of roll on, roll off (RORO) vessels is likewise adjusted to 75 percent from the previous 50 percent.
The adjustment in the capacity of LRT and MRT lines has also been expanded with nearly additional 50 passengers per trainset. LRT-1 and MRT-3 will have 204 passengers with the 0.75-meter distancing, while LRT-2 and PNR will have 212 and 184, respectively.
Some bus passengers have expressed opposition to the plan to re-allow standing passengers while some train commuters have agreed, citing the possibility of cutting down long queues in stations.
The tightening of required space for physical distancing which is an IATF-approved proposal of the DOTr under Resolution No. 69 is also being pushed by the Economic Development Cluster (EDC). This is in line with the calls to increase ridership amid the rising count of returning workers.
Authorities emphasized that the strict observation of required minimum health protocols such as wearing of face mask and shield remain. – Report from Karen Villanda
