LRT, MRT to allow only 160 passengers per train set once ECQ is lifted — DOTr exec

A limited number of passengers will be allowed to ride the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) systems once the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila is lifted, according to the Department of Transportation on Friday.

"Ang MRT at LRT, ang maximum number of passengers per train set po is 160. That's about 20% po of total capacity," DOTr Undersecretary  Artemio Tuazon Jr. said in an interview on GMA Network's Unang Hirit.

Prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, LRT1 has a daily ridership of around 500,000; LRT2 has 200,000; while MRT caters to around 300,000 passengers per day.

Metro Manila is among the high-risk areas in the Philippines placed under an extended enhanced community quarantine until May 15 to prevent the further spread of the contagion.

Meanwhile, buses, modernized jeepneys will be primarily allowed to resume operations in areas under the general community quarantine starting May 1.

"Kapag hindi pa rin po kakayanin 'yung numero at dami ng ating mananakay sa dalawang ito, papayagan na rin pong mag-operate 'yung mga ordinary jeeps natin, after that 'yung mga TNVS at mga taxi. Sa mga areas po na papayagan ng LGU, papayagan din po ang mga tricycle," Tuazon said.

"Pero lahat po ito ay dapat sumunod sa social distancing," he added.

These modes of mass transportation will only be allowed to operate at 50% capacity, according to the official. — Dona Magsino/RSJ, GMA News