DOTr proposes to retain current public transpo supply, capacity for Aug. 6-20 NCR ECQ

While the government is yet to release guidelines for the upcoming two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila, the Department of Transportation is recommending to retain the current supply and capacity of public transportation in the National Capital Region (NCR).

“Per Secretary [Arthur] Tugade, the recommendation of DOTr is to retain the current supply and capacity of public transportation,” Transportation Assistant Secretary Goddess Hope Libiran said.

Libiran said that currently the allowed passenger capacity for public transportation is 50%. Meanwhile, 80% of public utility vehicles have been allowed to operate.

She added that for the railway sector, all trains are being deployed.

“Restrictions will be applied on passengers — i.e., stricter enforcement to ensure that only APORs (authorized persons outside of residences) are permitted to use public transport, as mandated by the IATF,” Libiran said.

Nevertheless, the Transportation official said DOTr will abide by the decision of  IATF.

The government placed Metro Manila under ECQ from August 6 to 20 to mitigate the threat of the Delta coronavirus variant.

During the first ECQ implementation in NCR on March 16 to May 14, 2020, public transportation was prohibited.

When NCR was again placed under ECQ from March 29 to April 11, 2021, workers in essential and non-essential sectors were allowed to physically report to work and public transportation was made available under limited capacity.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque could not say if public transportation will be available under the looming ECQ.

“We will let the Transportation department decide on this, may panahon pa naman (there is still time)," he said.—AOL, GMA News