DOTr issues public transport guidelines during ECQ

In the past year, public transport was limited whenever enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was imposed. This time, however, Transportation Secretary Art Tugade says the current supply and capacity of public utility vehicles will be retained in Metro Manila as the region goes into ECQ from August 6 to 20.

Tugade also stressed that only Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APORs) will be accommodated by public transport services.

“Restrictions will be applied on passengers. There will be stricter enforcement to ensure that only APORs are permitted to use public transport, as mandated by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF),” he said. “APORs are reminded to be ready to present to transport marshals identification cards issued by the IATF or other documents or IDs as proof that they are authorized to travel.”

Although the DOTr was given the authority to decide the number of PUVs and passenger capacity allowed during the ECQ period, the IATF may make changes.

Transport guidelines

During the ECQ, public transportation, and other modes of transport—private with special permit, dedicated service under government initiative, etc.—shall strictly comply with minimum health protocols like physical distancing and sanitary measures.

Under ECQ, buses and jeeps are only allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity with a one-seat-apart setup. Standing passengers will not be allowed and only one passenger will be allowed at the driver’s road.

Motorcycle taxi services and Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) are allowed during ECQ, while active transport, like bikes and electric scooters, is encouraged.

Meanwhile, one passenger is allowed in the tricycle side-car. Operations and limitations will be decided by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Local Government Units (LGUs).

All trains will be deployed during ECQ with transport marshals present to enforce health protocols and identify APORs. Trains will also be disinfected after every loop. Passengers showing COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to board.

Domestic flights and sea travel in the metro will also continue but they will be subject to community quarantine restrictions of the destinations. Thus, the DOTr recommends that passengers inquire with their airlines and shipping lines if they are allowed to board before going to the airport or seaport.

To fight the spread of the Delta variant, stricter enforcement of health protocols will be implemented. These seven commandments for public transport will also be followed:

1. Wear masks and face shields;
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; and
7. Observe appropriate physical distancing (“one-seat-apart”) rule.