Passenger dismayed over lack of social distancing at LRT-1

Several Light Rail Transit-1 (LRT-1) passengers were dismayed over the lack of physical distancing inside trains, despite months of health and safety preparations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commuter Renz Cada Beroy took to social media to air his disappointment after entering a passenger-filled wagon at the Monumento station, as seen in a Saturday 24 Oras Weekend report by Oscar Oida.

Beroy had hoped for the strict implementation of social distancing at the LRT-1 after enduring more than one hour of queuing.

"Actually nagdadalawang isip na akong bumaba doon sa train. Kaso siyempre ang haba ng pinila natin tapos masasayang lang. 'Yung pinila kung bababa rin ulit ako doon sa train," Beroy said.

He was nervous and worried during his trip to the Baclaran station.

"Siyempre natatakot po ako na baka mamaya meron na pala akong kadikit na asymptomatic or baka mamaya hindi ako nahawa pero may uwi akong virus sa doon sa pamilya, sa bahay po namin," he said.

"Na-disappoint ako. Nasayang lahat 'yung pinag-aralan ng more than three months bago buksan 'yung LRT station," Beroy added.

"The photo may have been taken during our peak hours. As an extra measure and to help us monitor compliance, we have deployed roving train marshalls during peak hours," said Light Rail Transit Authority Corporate Communications Head Jacqueline Gorospe.

"We also have our non-permeable safety dividers and regular reminders on proper wearing of a mask and no talking in place as additional layers of protection," Gorospe added. — Jamil Santos/DVM, GMA News