Traditional jeeps impose safety protocols as they resume operations

Traditional jeepneys have come equipped to fight the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as they resume operations on Friday.

In an episode of "Unang Hirit," Mariz Umali showed the safety protocols put in place in terminals and inside the jeeps.

Passengers lining up in the terminal must follow the white marks on the floor to ensure social distancing. They then have to undergo temperature checks and disinfect their hands and shoes.

They also have to list down their names and contact numbers for possible contact tracing in the future.

Payment will also be done at the collection table before entering the jeep, instead of passing cash inside the vehicle.

Inside, passengers are separated by plastic divisions.

Only 12 people are allowed to ride the jeep at a time.

Engr. Alberto Suansing, senior consultant to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), said that only jeeps deemed "roadworthy" by the government will be allowed to resume operations. He said jeepney inspections are ongoing.

The LTFRB, through Memorandum Circular 2020-026, has earlier released guidelines allowing thousands of roadworthy traditional jeepneys to resume operations under GCQ in Metro Manila. It also released an initial list of routes which PUJs can ply with “NO SPECIAL PERMIT NECESSARY” starting today, July 3.

—JCB, GMA News