Public transportation will resume operations tomorrow as Metro Manila returns to the general community quarantine classification two weeks after the government re-implemented the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said more routes will be opened and more units of traditional jeepneys and UV Express are expected.
LFTRB disclosed that 60 more routes will be opened with 4,498 public utility jeepney (PUJ) units. This is in addition to the 63 routes with 7,945 units before the MECQ. For UV Express, four routes with 641 units will be added to the pre-MECQ data of 47 routes with 980 units.
“There is actually an increase of close to 60% of the units if you are referring to the traditional PUJs. Hopefully, this will avoid (the) problem in the past as regards kakulangan ng (to lack of) public transportation,” LTFRB Chairman Atty. Martin Delgra III said.
“Pero ‘di natin sinasabi din na ito lang ang numero na tatakbo sa Metro Manila. As mentioned earlier, weekly po ang pagpapalabas pa rin tayo ng panibagong ruta (But we are not saying that this will only be the number of units in Metro Manila. As mentioned earlier, the announcement of new routes will be weekly),” Delgra added.
Drivers and operators may check routes and download the QR code at https://ltfrb.gov.ph/.
The LRT-1 will deploy around 24 train sets during peak hours, five for LRT-2, and 10 for PNR. Disinfection activities have also continued at the MRT-3.
Airlines have advised on the resumption of domestic flight operations which frequency will be in accordance with the host LGU. Individuals without face mask and shield will not be allowed to board any means of public transportation. – Report from Karen Villanda
