Buses, jeepneys still not allowed in Metro Manila even during GCQ –MMDA

Jeepneys and buses are still not allowed to resume operations when Metro Manila shifts to general community quarantine amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Jojo Garcia.

In a public briefing on Wednesday, Garcia noted that it would be difficult for authorities to monitor if passengers in jeepneys and buses are observing physical distancing.

"Pagdating sa PUVs (public utility vehicles), huwag na lang po muna 'yung buses and jeepneys kasi mahirap i-kontrol dito yung physical distancing. Alam naman natin ang jeep natin at bus ay stop and go 'yan. May sasakay, may bababa. So mahirap i-monitor," he said.

On the other hand, Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS), taxis and tricycles will be allowed to operate subject to conditions, Garcia said.

"Pero yung ating pong mga TNVS, taxis, tricycles, 'yan po okay po iyon kasi kaya natin i-monitor kung ano ang laman niyan," he said.

Shuttle services and P2P (point to point) vehicles will also be allowed, Garcia said.

Garcia said Metro Manila mayors, during a meeting of the Metro Manila Council on Tuesday, have recommended that the region be placed under general community quarantine after May 31.

However, Garcia said the mayors and the MMDA would still wait for the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases regarding the modified enhanced community quarantine still in effect.

"Sabi nga ng mga mayors natin, there's no such thing as a perfect decision here because you really have to balance the economy and health," he said.

"GCQ will be a good start to jumpstart the economy," Garcia added.  --KBK, GMA News