DOTr imposes passenger limit, one-seat-apart policy for public transpo

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Saturday said it would impose a passenger capacity limit and a one-seat-apart policy for all modes of public transportation in Metro Manila, as part of social distancing during the entire duration of the community quarantine in the region against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

At a press conference, the DOTr said beginning March 15 — the start of the Metro Manila-wide community quarantine — public utility jeepneys are no longer allowed to have more than half of their regular capacity, including the driver, while public utility buses are only allowed to carry 25 passengers or less, including the driver and conductor.

For taxi, transportation network vehicle services (TNVS), including accredited taxis, there should not be more than four passengers inside, including the driver.

For UV Express, there should be no more more than six passengers inside, including the driver.

For Omnibus Franchising Guidelines compliant units (Class 2 and Class 3) should not be more than one-half of the seating capacity, without any standing passenger.

Passengers inside these public transportation are required to be one seat apart, the DOTr added. 

All operators are also directed to inform their drivers and conductors to be observant of their passengers during travel.

“Should any of the passengers manifest  any symptoms of the COVID-19, they shall assist said person to the nearest hospital and report the incident to the Department of Health or the Philippine National Police for proper handling,” the DOTr said.

Any person manifesting any symptoms of COVID-19 such as those with 38 degrees Celsius or higher temperature, severe coughing, or breathing difficulty shall not be allowed to enter passenger terminals’ premises.

Provincial buses and inter-regional trips of jeepneys and UV Express to and from Metro Manila shall be terminated on the entry points to be identified by the PNP.

PUV drivers and conductors shall remind their passengers to be ready to present a valid ID showing place of work and government issued ID showing residence.

Rails

Trains shall be loaded at reduced capacity of 25% to reduce concentration of passengers per train. Station personnel shall regulate the entry of passengers from station platforms to trains.

Likewise, passenger concentration in station platforms, concourses, and elevators shall be reduced at 25% or the persons shall be one meter apart.

The women’s and senior citizens section of train cars will be further separated, designating a subsection for senior citizens.

Services of the Philippine National Railways from Alabang to Calamba will be suspended during the community quarantine period.

Aviation

All domestic flights to and from Metro Manila will cease operations except for cargo flights, air ambulance and medical supplies, government/military flights, weather mitigation flights, and maintenance and utility flights.

General aviation flights in Metro Manila will be prohibited. They will be diverted to Sangley and Clark airports.

At least one meter radius distance from one passenger to another shall be implemented.

Only passengers and essential personnel shall be allowed entry or exit in airport terminals.

Maritime

Passenger traffic in all ports going in and out of the National Capital Region (NCR) shall be suspended. However, ferry services within Metro Manila shall continue operations subject to 50% reduced capacity.

Movement of cargoes to and from NCR shall be unhampered. All cargo truck and vans gong in and out of the Port of Manila shall secure a cargo entry/withdrawal permit from Philippine Ports Authority.

Waste reception services at the ports shall be suspended. Both foreign and domestic ships are obliged to unload their wastes at the next port call outside NCR.

No sail policy shall be implemented to all water conveyances carrying passengers calling to and from any ports of Metro Manila except to foreign ships and domestic cargo, fishing and government vessels subject to screening. — MDM, GMA News