By Pearl Gumapos
The free COVID-19 antigen testing in select train stations is still in effect for passengers willing to get tested, a Department of Transportation (DOTr) official said Thursday (March 17).
“Mula noong Pebrero ay tayo ay nakakapagtala ng 200 to 300 tests kada linggo,” DOTr Undersecretary Timothy John Batan said during the Laging Handa public briefing.
“Mula nga noong Pebrero doon sa kalahatan ng ating mga tests ay wala na tayong nakikitang positive. Nasa zero na ang positivity rate natin sa linya ng ating mga tren, pero ipinagpapatuloy ang antigen testing na ‘to,” he added.
Batan said the free antigen testing is being used as an indicator in monitoring resurgence of COVID-19 cases. This is amid the expansion of public transportation capacity to 100% under Alert Level 1.
Aside from the free testing, at least 5,526 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in train stations.
No fare hike
Citing Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade’s instructions, Batan said that there will be no increase in train fare amid the successive fuel price hikes.
“Tayo ay walang inaasahan at walang pinaplano na pagtaas pasahe sa linya ng ating mga tren. Alam po natin na mayroon tayong nangyayari ngayon na pagtaas ng presyo sa langis na maaaring makaepekto sa presyuhin ng ating mga bilihin,” he said.
“Sinisigurado natin na nasa utos nga po ni Sec. Tugade na sa sektor ng riles ay tayo ay walang kinokonsidera na taas pasahe,” he added.
During the same briefing, Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3)Operations Director Michael Capati said the maintenance program will continue for proper maintenance of trains.
The yearly maintenance program for the MRT-3 will begin April 13 to 17. The MRT-3 will reopen on April 18, Monday. –ag
