DOTr looks into partial operability of buses, trains at 30% capacity

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is looking at the possible resumption of operations of public transportation, particularly buses and railway systems but at reduced capacity.

During the Laging Handa public briefing on Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said resuming public transportation was already discussed during the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

“Nabanggiit kung magkakaroon tayo ng partial operability ng public transportation lalo’t higit sa buses, dapat may tinatawag na hindi full capacity,” he said.

Citing studies presented by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Tugade said, “Kung magbabalik-operation, dapat hindi full capacity kundi 30% lang.”

“Kung papayagan ng IATF, magkaka-partial operation tayo pero ‘yung capacity babawasan para masunod ang social distancing,” the Transportation chief said.

“Ganyan din ang gagawin sa LRT-1, LRT-2, MRT-3 at PNR kung papayagan ng IATF,” he said.

If public transportation will be allowed to resume operations, the Transportation chief said stakeholders must observe the Department of Health’s (DOH) guidelines such as social distancing.

“‘Pag in-approve ng IATF [but] maintaining social distancing; no mask, no ride; hand-washing; thermal scanning kailangan ginagawa rin ito,” Tugade said.

“Social distancing hindi lang pagsakay ng sasakyan, pati pag-antay sa pila para sa sasakyan,” he added.

Authorities suspended mass and public transportation on March 17 in connection with the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine over the whole of Luzon. — RSJ, GMA News