Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 31) — As the government readies for the country’s center of economy to reopen on Monday, more modes of transportation have also been given the green light to resume operations.
It also announced that there should be no increase in fares, and that cashless or online transactions shall be the only permitted mode of payment in these transportation services.
Passengers will not be allowed to ride the units without face masks, the LTFRB added.
Operators and drivers of the taxis and TNVS are likewise reminded to strictly adhere to the protocols stated under Memorandum Circular 2020-018 or the “Guidelines for the Operations of Taxis and Transport Network Vehicle Services during the Period of GCQ.”
These include the wearing of face masks and gloves, as well as regular disinfection of units before and after every trip or at least every two hours. A compartment made of non-permeable and transparent materials should also be placed between the driver and the passenger to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease.
Passenger load should not exceed three passengers (with two at the back row and one in front), according to the LTFRB guidelines. Drivers are also required to have a “daily passenger manifest” or logbook containing information on passengers in order to aid in contact tracing in cases of confirmed infections.
Over 23,000 taxis and transport network vehicle services (TNVS) units will be allowed back on the road starting June 1, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Sunday.
The agency approved around 17,000 vehicles more, after initially allowing over 5,000 to again ply Metro Manila roads. As of May 31, the approved list contains a total of 18,629 TNVS units and 4,438 taxis.
More MRT-3 trains at faster operating speed
To further accommodate employees returning to work, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) also increased to 19 the train sets scheduled to run in the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 or MRT-3.
The deployment includes three Dalian train sets as provided under an agreement with the Japanese firm Sumitomo Corporation and the concurrence of the Japan International Cooperation Agency to increase the system’s capacity.
The DOTr added that the operating speed will increase to 40 kilometers per hour from 30 kph at certain points, reducing headway to about six minutes from nine minutes. This will gradually increase to 60 kph by December 2020 as repair works further progress, according to the agency.
The improvements were attributed to the faster rail replacements done during the lockdown period. The repairs are expected to be completed by September this year, five months ahead of schedule.
According to MRT-3 Director for Operations Michael Capati, these developments will help offset the rail transit’s reduced capacity due to the health protocols. From a capacity of 1,182 passengers per train set before the quarantine restrictions were put in place, Capati said only 153 passengers or 13% will now be accommodated.
The railway’s management also said it has already placed markers and barriers to help ensure the safety of passengers.
