DOTr: Public transpo to remain limited to APORs during MECQ

There will be no major changes in restrictions on public transportation even as the NCR Plus bubble shifts into a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), with only authorized persons outside of residence (APORs) allowed to travel for the time being.

In an advisory on Sunday afternoon, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said that public transportation protocols will remain unchanged from those enforced under the general community quarantine (GCQ) prior to the two-week reimposition of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

"Wala tayong ipatutupad na anumang restriction at pagbabago sa public transport capacity at operations ngayong MECQ. Kung ano po ang public transport modes na available noong GCQ, ganoon pa rin po ang ipapatupad ngayong MECQ," it said, "tanging mga APOR lamang po ang papayagang sumakay sa mga pampublikong sasakyan."

(We will not enforce any changes or additional restrictions on the public transport capacity and operations under MECQ. Whatever public transport modes were available under GCQ will be enforced under MECQ... Only APORs will be allowed to ride public transportation).

The DOTr noted, however, that there will be 60 additional routes of public utility jeepneys to be opened in the National Capital Region (NCR) starting April 13, and 190 routes of provincial public utility buses starting April 15.

The agency also said free rides for health workers and medical frontliners will continue, along with free rides for APORs using jeepneys and buses that operate under the service contracting program.

In the same advisory, the DOTr said there should be no fare increases. The agency earlier said there should be no increases even amid the reduced capacity under the latest ECQ.

Malacañang on Sunday announced that Metro Manila and its nearby provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna will be placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from April 12 to April 30.

Meanwhile, the less strict general community quarantine will be in place for the said dates in Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Batangas, Quezon province, Tacloban City, Iligan City, Davao City, and Lanao Del Sur.

In Metro Manila, the curfew has been modified to cover the hours from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. starting Monday. — BM, GMA News