MRT3, LRT passengers welcome increased passenger capacity but will take extra precautions

Passengers of the Metro Rail Transit - Line 3 (MRT3) and the Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 (LRT1 and LRT2) on Monday welcomed the government's move to allow more passengers on the trains amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but said they will take extra precautions to prevent contracting the novel coronavirus.

"Medyo natatakot kasi mas marami na ang nasa loob ng tren. So doble ingat lang," one commuter said before boarding the MRT3 at the Cubao Station, according to a report by James Agustin on GMA News' Unang Balita.

"OK lang. May social distancing naman sa loob ng tren," another passenger said.

Metro Manila's rail systems increased their maximum passenger capacity to 30% starting Monday, and are also expected to gradually expand it to as much as 50%.

In a statement on Sunday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the main railways—the MRT3, LRT1, LRT2, and the Philippine National Railways (PNR)—will increase from their current maximum passenger capacity, which ranges from 13 to 18%.

At the MRT3 starting Monday, a total of 372 passengers will be accommodated per train set from the previous 153.

Markers have been placed inside the trains to guide passengers on proper social distancing.

No lines were noticed at the MRT3 Cubao Station at 6 a.m. on Monday, although guards still controlled the volume of passengers entering the station.

Strict safety and health protocols are being observed: no face mask, no face shield, no entry; and no talking, eating or answering phone calls while inside the train.

LRT1

The LRT1 station in Monumento was also not crowded at 6 a.m. on Monday morning, although more passengers have been allowed to board trains, according to a report by Darlene Cay on Unang Balita.

A total of 370 passengers, representing 30% capacity, will be allowed to board a train set starting Monday, from the previous 160.

This will be gradually raised to 495 passengers (40%) then 620 (50%).

Some passengers could not help but be a bit apprehensive although they accepted that operations need to move toward the new normal soon.

"Siguro kailangan na nating mag-back to normal, new normal. Kailangan nang tanggapin. Basta suot ang face shield at face mask," one passenger said.

"OK lang din naman po," another one said.

LRT2

At the LRT2 Cubao station, there was no big volume of passengers on Monday morning, according to a report by Jonathan Andal on Unang Balita.

Starting Monday, each train set will be able to accommodate 486 passengers (30% passenger capacity). 

This will be increased to 652 passengers (40%) then 814 passengers (50%).

Health and safety protocols are strictly being followed, with passengers required to wear both face mask and face shield.

One passenger wore only an eye shield and was barred entry. The passenger thus bought a face shield from a vendor for P20, wore it, then was allowed to go inside the station.

Social distancing is strictly observed. Passengers were reminded to refrain from talking or answering their phones while inside the train.

Some passengers expressed fears but accepted the increased passenger capacity.

"Nakakatakot po... No choice," said one passenger. 

Others were optimistic they will not be infected by the novel coronavirus.

"Hindi ako natatakot sa COVID. Ang Diyos ang magpoprotekta sa akin," a male passenger said.

Bus

Meanwhile, at the EDSA Busway loading area in front of the LRT1 Monumento Station, a bus conductor was caught not wearing a face mask and face shield while allowing passengers to board the vehicle, Darlene Cay reported on Unang Balita.

The conductor then wore a face mask when his attention was called.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board can issue tickets against public transportation vehicles not implementing health and safety protocols and impose fines from P1,000 to P5,000. —KG, GMA News