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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 18) – More travelers will be able to travel on trains starting Monday as the Department of Transportation increases passenger capacity on all major train lines.
In a statement Sunday, DOTr said that Metro Rail Transit Line 3, Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 and the Philippine National Railways will operate trains with 30 percent passenger capacity, up from the current 13 to 18 percent.
He added that passenger capacity will be gradually expanded up to 50 percent.
With the 30 percent capacity rule, the MRT-3 can now accommodate 372 passengers per train, up from the current limit of 153 passengers.
LRT-1 and LRT-2 are also expected to carry up to 370 and 486 passengers per train, respectively, with the new rule in effect.
The move to accommodate more commuters is in line with the country’s bid to gradually open up the economy amid the COVID-19 crisis.
In preparation for the rollout, DOTr said they are now adjusting social distancing markings inside trains.
To minimize the risk of transmission of the coronavirus, the agency said it will continue to apply strict health and safety protocols inside trains.
These are:
1. Use of masks and face shields
2. Don’t talk or make phone calls
3. Do not eat
4. Keep utility vehicles well ventilated
5. Carrying out frequent disinfections
6. Prohibition of the entry of symptomatic passengers
7. Observing the appropriate physical distance rule
Train marshals will also be deployed to ensure strict adherence to health protocols, DOTr added.
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