[ad_1]
The government began implementing today (September 14) more flexible transport rules to increase the capacity of various modes of transport and “assist in the opening up and recovery of the economy.”
Deputy Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Goddes Hope O. Libiran said her group will implement the simplified rules as planned, as the Interagency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases “approved on September 7” the reduced physical distance requirement. For transport.
The requirement of physical distancing for various modes of transport will be implemented in biweekly phases: from the current distance of 1 meter that was imposed on August 19, it will be reduced to 0.75 meters as of September 14; 0.5 meters as of September 28; and 0.3 meters as of October 12.
In fact, this will increase the capabilities of the modes of transportation available during the pandemic, including railways, jeepneys, buses, and boats.
Despite the reduction in physical distancing, the government now requires a “do not speak or answer calls” policy to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. The usual sanitary protocols, such as the use of masks and face shields, and constant disinfection, will remain in force.
“In recent days, we have seen and heard the plea of commuters for the lack of public transportation. We have also taken into consideration the call of the economic team for the transportation sector to help the economy open up and recover, ”said the Undersecretary of Transportation for Administrative Service, Artemio Tuazón Jr.
With the relaxation of physical distancing requirements, the capacity of Line 1 of Light Rail Transit (LRT) will gradually increase from 155 passengers per trip to 300 passengers per trip in October; Line LRT 2 will have a maximum capacity of 502 passengers per trip; Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 will have a maximum capacity of 327 per trip; and the Philippine National Railways (PNR) will have a maximum capacity of 320 passengers per trip.
Under Secretary of Transportation for Railways Timothy John R. Batan noted that this measure is being implemented following consultations with medical experts as well as simulation activities regarding transmission and exposure. His group also considered “international practices” in the pandemic.
For the highway sector, jeepneys will have a maximum capacity increase of 12 percent, while 2 × 2 buses can accommodate up to three more passengers. UV Express units can also carry a maximum of two more passengers.
Marine vessels will see a gradual increase in passenger cargo between 75 and 100 percent through October.
