Beginning Thursday, November 4, the Inter-Agency Task Force has allowed the approved capacity of public vehicles such as jeeps, buses, and even MRT, LRT, and Philippine National Railways to be increased to 70 percent.
According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), it is also preparing for the approaching Christmas.
It is effective in Metro Manila and the neighboring provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.
Buses are also allowed to stand as long as only one person sits in each row and the other passengers sit next to the window.
“Ngayon nasa Alert Level 3 na ang Metro Manila, mas maraming negosyo ang pinayagan na magbukas at mas marami rin po ang ating mga kababayan na lumalabas kaya mataas na rin po ang demand for public transportation,” said Transport Assistant Secretary Mark Steven Pastor.
“Sa pag-aaral ng DOTr, ang kapasidad sa pampublikong transportasyon ay walang diretsong kinalaman sa bilang ng COVID-19 cases,” added Pastor.
The capacity increase will only take place on pilot testing, and when effective, it can be completed at 100 percent capacity.
The transport group Pasang Masda promised to follow with 70 percent capacity. Still, they asked the traffic enforcers not to be too strict, especially if it is the passengers themselves who are struggling to board.
Capacity of public vehicles in NCR Plus to reach 70 pct
“As jeepney drivers, we cannot avoid na ‘di mapuno ang sasakyan,” said Pasang Masda President Obet Martin.
“Maaari na po itong tanggalin ng mga drivers at operators dahil wala rin hong medical findings ‘yong aming pag-aaral na ito ay makakapagpa-iwas sa paghawa ng COVID-19, bagkus ito ay maaari pang kabitan po ng virus because of the plastic material,” said Pastor.
Meanwhile, a P1 billion fund for fuel subsidy for jeepney drivers nationwide has been approved.
Drivers will be given a card that they can use when refueling their units.
Due to the relaxation of protocols and the subsidy to be provided, the transport groups said they would temporarily put aside the call for a fare increase.
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