Speaking, phone calls banned inside MRT-3

The MRT-3 stressed the new guidelines are to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among commuters, noting that it will definitely help control the spread of the deadly respiratory disease

With the country still looking for ways to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the management of the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) yesterday announced it is banning speaking and answering phone calls inside the trains.

In an advisory, the MRT-3 stressed the new guidelines are to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among commuters, noting that it will definitely help control the spread of the deadly respiratory disease.

The MRT resumed operations — on a limited basis — yesterday morning after a five-day suspension, after the management said it was able to assemble a sufficient number of employees who are free of COVID-19.

Since yesterday, the MRT-3 has been dispatching 12 train sets, which will include 10 CKD and two Dalian train sets. The first train was dispatched at 5:30 a.m. from the North Avenue station to the Taft Avenue station.

In addition, contact tracing will strictly be implemented, with passengers filling out health declaration forms before boarding the train.

MRT-3 operations were earlier suspended after the surge in employees who tested positive for the coronavirus. The Department of Transportation (DoTr) said a total of 186 personnel tested positive for COVID-19, with 1,507 personnel still set to be tested.

During the temporary shutdown, thorough disinfection of all MRT-3 facilities was conducted, including its depot, stations and trains.

Meanwhile, the MRT-3 Bus Augmentation Program will continue to deploy 90 buses with a three-minute fixed dispatching interval. In addition, 190 buses are being deployed under the EDSA Busway Service to carry passengers between Monumento and the Paranñaque Integrated Terminal Exchange.

A mini loop will also run between Timog Avenue and Ortigas to serve passengers, and shuttle services and mini buses running in the mini loop will be allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at the curbside.

Last week, the management of the Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) — the private operator of Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) — has likewise announced it is prohibiting its passengers from talking inside the trains to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

According to LRMC Corporate Communications head Jacqueline Gorospe, they observed that some LRT-1 passengers continue to remove their masks while inside the wagons, especially when they have to answer their phones.

Gorospe said marshals and LRT personnel will roam the trains to ensure the implementation of the protocol.