The Department of Transportation said on April 22 that it is looking into the partial resumption of mass public transportation services amid the COVID-19 crisis.
According to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade, buses and train lines may soon begin to operate with strict measures to prevent the further spread of the virus. Tugade shares that newly appointed National Economic and Development Authority acting secretary, Karl Chua, submitted studies on the possibility of partial operations for public transportation on April 20. This move is subject to the Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19's approval.
"Kung papayagan ho ng [Inter-Agency Task Force] IATF, magpa-partial operability tayo, pero 'yong operational capacity will be abbreviated at mababawasan upang ma-maintain 'yong mga patakaran ng Department of Health sa social distancing," Tugade said in a press briefing.
If the IATF gives the go signal, Tugade said buses and the MRT, LRT 1 and 2, and PNR train lines should only operate 30% of their full capacity in order to maintain social distance between passengers. Commuters may also be required to wear face masks, undergo thermal scanning, and observe strict physical distancing while in a train or bus—and while waiting for your ride.
This proposal came after the government suspended mass transportation in Luzon upon the announcement of the enhanced community quarantine.
For the latest news and updates on COVID-19, check out reportr.world/covid-19.
This story originally appeared on reportr.world. Minor edits have been made by SPOT.ph editors.
this strange new world.