IATF retains restrictions on deployment of PUVS and ride-sharing bikes in NCR
PROVINCIAL buses, traditional jeepneys, and ride-sharing motorcycles may still not be allowed to operate in Metro Manila next week with the start of the second phase of the resumption of public transport in the region.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) is still studying if it would allow provincial buses to enter the National Capital Region (NCR) after it remained under a general community quarantine (GCQ).
He noted the Department of Transportation (DOTR) originally intended to reintroduce provincial buses in the region during the second phase, which will start on June 22, 2020.
“But that is on the assumption that Metro Manila will be placed under MGCQ [modified GCQ]. So we should wait for the announcement of DOTR if they will allow provincial buses in the second phase,” Roque said.
The IATF decided to retain the GCQ classification of NCR amid still rising number of new novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases. Roadworthy
FOR traditional jeepneys, he said they will only be allowed to operate in NCR by Monday if there will still be insufficient number of “modern” public-utility vehicles (PUV) to accommodate commuters.
He added that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will only allow
“roadworthy” traditional jeepneys to ply routes in NCR.
As for ride-sharing motorcycles, Roque said the Department of Health (DOH) is still assessing the measures on how to prevent possible Covid-19 transmissions for its drivers and passengers.
He explained the Department of Health conducted a formal study to determine if the proposal of Angkas, a local motorcycle ride-sharing and delivery service company, for its drivers to wear “special suits” would be enough to protect them and their passengers from Covid-19 infection.
“This is still being studied [by DOH],” Roque said. Insufficient capacity
SINCE public transportation resumed in NCR this month, DOTR has allowed 18,813 transportation network vehicle services (TNVS) units; 16,701 taxis; and 271 point-to-point buses units to operate in the region.
This was on top of the resumption of train operations in Metro Manila, as well as the 90 buses, which augmented the diminished capacity of the said train units.
Despite the availability of these PUVS, many commuters in NCR still have difficulty commuting.
Roque said the government hopes to minimize the inconvenience by next week by making available more PUVS.
“I would like to repeat, we are still in GCQ [in NCR]. Our strategy for public transportation is for [resumption] which is calibrated, partial, and in phases,” Roque reiterated.