By Karen Villanda
The Department of Transportation assures that all kinds of public transportation will remain operational during the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine within the NCR Plus Bubble which began on Monday, March 29 and will end on April 4, 2020.
All forms of road transport including traditional and modern jeepneys, tricycle, taxis, UV express, TNVS and Public Utility Buses shall continue to operate and service Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APORs).
However, public transportation is subject to strict compliance to health protocols.
All PUVs must observe a maximum of 50% passenger capacity, regardless of whether there are barriers installed inside the vehicles.
DOTr Undersecretary Artemio Tuazon Jr. explained, “Ang ating Public Utility Buses papayagan lang sa 50% capacity. Bawal ang tayuan o standing. Sa ating tradisyunal at modern jeeps ganoon din ito 50% capacity lang or 1 seat apart kung alin ang mas nararapat. Sa ating mga UV Express, maximum of 2 passengers per row pero not exceeding din ng 50% capacity ng UV express. Sa ating taxi ang maximum natin ay 2 passengers per row rin, sa driver isa lang dapat ang katabi (Our Public Utility Buses will be allowed with 50% capacity. Standing is prohibited. For our traditional and modern jeeps, it is also 50% capacity or 1 seat apart or whichever applies. For our UV Express, it’s maximum of 2 passengers per row but not exceeding 50% capacity of the UV express. For our taxi, a maximum of 2 passengers per row and only one passenger is allowed near the driver.”
Also, provincial buses will still operate but their passengers are limited only to APORs and point-to-point trips will be allowed at 50% capacity.
On aviation, international and domestic flights will remain operational at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport inbound and outbound of the NCR Plus Bubble but flights will be limited only to APOR passengers, provided that they have the complete requirements following the instructions of the receiving local government unit (LGU) or country.
Meanwhile, international inbound passengers shall still be limited at 1,500 capacity at the NAIA.
For sea vessels, operations shall be allowed to cater APORs during ECQ.
On railways, 20% to 30% maximum capacity must be observed in each train set of LRT-1, LRT-2, PNR and MRT-3.
However, each railway sector has already advised a limited or suspension of operations for several days during the Holy Week to give way to maintenance and disinfection.
Private motorcycles will be allowed with only one backride.
For private cars, a maximum of two passengers per row and one passenger at the driver’s side will be allowed on the condition they are only carrying APOR passengers.
Expressways such as NLEX and SCTEX have issued an advisory that they will remain open during ECQ but reminded motorists to expect delays due to possible checkpoints along the route.
Yesterday, the DOTr reiterated that only APORs shall be allowed to travel and returning residents shall not be allowed to ride public transportation.
Moreover, the government agency discouraged non-APORs to hire colorum or illegal vehicles which can now be booked online to avoid the risk of increasing the danger for the virus to spread further since unauthorized vehicles do not strictly adhere to health standards.
