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TO transport more people, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) has allowed a greater number of passengers on the country’s rail systems.
Starting Monday, October 19, Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3), Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT 1), LRT 2 and Philippine National Railways (PNR) will expand their passenger capacity to 30 percent.
For the MRT, the number of passengers for each train will increase from 153 to 372, 370 passengers for LRT 1 and 486 passengers for LRT 2.
On the other hand, for the PNR, 179 passengers per train set will be allowed for the DMU Rotem model, 167 passengers for the DMU 8000, 228 passengers for the DMU 8100 and 302 passengers for the EMU model.
The DoTr said the 30 percent capacity would be gradually expanded to 50 percent.
More trains would be deployed to reduce waiting time on MRT 3, said its director of operations, Michael Capati. “We will do this to help transport more people.”
“The increase in train capacity is a timely boost for the MRT-3, as the public demands a greater amount of public transport amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.
Health protocols will be observed, including the use of masks and face shields, and physical distancing. No talking or making phone calls will be allowed.
Before the coronavirus pandemic, the passenger volume on MRT 3 was more than 500,000 per day. The LRT 1 used to carry 300,000 to 500,000 passengers, while the LRT 2 had a capacity of 240,000 passengers.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Interior, Eduardo Año, this Sunday encouraged passengers to have their own helmets with the imminent return of motorcycle taxis.
He said drivers could provide helmets for passengers, but these must be disinfected after each use.
Motorcycle barriers must also be installed, he said.
The Interagency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases recommended the return of motorcycle taxis to provide more transportation in Metro Manila.
Year said that the return of motorcycle taxis would be of great help to travelers.
Regular public transportation, such as buses and UV Express, were allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity.
WITH DEMPSEY REYES
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