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UNDER GCQ
LRT1, LRT2, MRT3 reduce passenger capacity to observe physical distancing amid COVID-19
Longer lines are expected when LRT1, LRT2, and MRT3 resume operations Monday as only a limited number of passengers will be allowed to board trains to observe physical distancing amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In separate interviews with Dobol B sa News TV on Friday, train officials said they will implement strict measures to ensure the safety of passengers.
Trains are among the modes of public transportation allowed to operate starting June 1
under more relaxed general community quarantine (GCQ).Jacqueline Gorospe, Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) corporate communications head, said only 200 passengers will be allowed inside the LRT1 train per trip. Before COVID-19 hit the country, LRT1 trains carry up to at least 1,000 passengers.
LRMC has also placed additional safety measures and health protocols for all visitors and staff at LRT1 stations, facilities, and depots, such as foot baths, drying pads, and daily health checks.
In a press statement, LRMC said it established a technical partnership with the UP Diliman’s National Engineering Center (UPNEC) to upgrade its disinfection measures using Ultraviolet C (UVC) technology as part of its anti-COVID19 initiatives.
LRMC and UPNEC are now in the process of developing different disinfection equipment using UVC technology that would best serve the LRT1 trains and accelerating its mass production to immediately service the entire line.
At present, LRMC is using a prototype handheld and 360-degree UVC lamps from UPNEC, as well as the 180-degree UVC lamps procured from Taiwan to complement its chemical disinfection inside the trains and stations. The UVC lamps will be used daily for every train at the end stations (Roosevelt and Baclaran), with an interval of five minutes. They will also be used during the nightly sanitation activities at the LRT-1 depot facility.
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Only 160 passengers will be allowed to board per train set, according to an advisory released by LRTA.
Cabrera said even their staff will be having a hard time with the limited mass transportation available starting Monday.
“Hirap din ang staff namin, ‘yung mga teller, train operator kasi pagpasok nila wala pa namang umaandar na tren. Ang remedyo namin ‘yung managers na may sasakyan sunduin ang staff. Maglalagay rin kami ng barracks sa depot para puwede sila matulog doon,” he said in the radio interview.
He also said their operation will only be from Recto up to Cubao station and vice versa. The damaged power supply affecting Anonas, Katipunan, and Santolan stations is yet to be repaired.
“Hindi pa naayos unfortunately. Supposedly nung March dapat na-award 'yung kontrata, na-COVID yung process natin. Kung na-award sana siya nung March, 'yung nanalong contractor meron siyang three months na matapos 'yung temporary power supply system nung tatlong istasyon na hindi gumagana ngayon, by end of June nago-operate na sana ‘yung tatlo,” he said.
“Ang projection namin kung ma-resume ‘yung process ng June ay most likely end of September,” he added.
On the part of MRT3, Engr. Mike Capati, director for operations, said they will only accommodate 153 passengers per train set.
“Dati natin, ‘yung three-car na train set ay 1,200 passengers. Pero ngayon 51 na lang kada coach o 153 pasahero kada train set,” he said.—AOL/KBK, GMA News