The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said that the current 70 percent passenger capacity in Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) will still be in effect in Alert Level 3. The agency has also ordered PUV operators and transport terminals in the National Capital Region (NCR) to strictly impose health protocols as the region is placed under Alert Level 3.
DOTr keeps 70 percent passenger capacity in PUVs amid Alert Level 3
The decision to put the capital in Alert Level 3 is due to the increasing number of new COVID-19 cases as well as the rising confirmed transmission of the Omicron variant. The Department of Health (DOH) said that there is a high probability of exponential growth in regards to the detection of local COVID-19 cases with the Omicron variant.
As such, the DOTr through the Land Transportation Office (LTO) reminded land-based transportation stakeholders to closely monitor their driver and conductors, and ensure that they strictly adhere to health protocols. This is while the 70 percent maximum passenger capacity in PUVs is in effect amid Alert Level 3.
PUVs are ordered to strictly adhere to health protocols
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) also issued a memorandum that calls for PUV operators, drivers, and passengers to religiously follow health protocols such as the following:
1. Wear face masks
2. No talking and making phone calls
3. No eating
4. Keep public utility vehicles well ventilated
5. Conduct frequent disinfection
6. No passengers with COVID-19 symptoms are to be allowed inside the public transportation
7. Observe appropriate physical distancing rule
“With the continued rise of COVID-19 cases in NCR, the DOTr enjoins our land-based transport operators to remind passengers to strictly observe minimum health protocols and ensure that the maximum allowable passenger capacity is followed,” DOTr Secretary Art Tugade said.
The DOTr also announced that it will be conducting random COVID-19 antigen testing on commuters taking the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT).
The DOTr is also monitoring the COVID-19 situation in train lines
Meanwhile, the DOTr supports the resolution released by the Metro Manila Council (MMC) in prohibiting unvaccinated individuals from taking public transport. The agency said in a statement that it agrees with the MMC’s decision to “temporarily prohibit unvaccinated individuals from traveling domestically via land, sea, and air public transport.”
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos through the MMDA Resolution No. 22-01 is urging local government units (LGUs) in NCR to enact their respective ordinances in regards to limiting, and regulating the movement of unvaccinated individuals.
The MMDA chairman explained that all LGUs in NCR will not allow entry of unvaxxed individuals in shopping malls, restaurants, and public transport during Alert Level 3. Unvaxxed individuals will have limited movement and are only allowed to get or buy essential goods.
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