By Chito Chavez
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Friday that around 300 point-to-point buses will operate when the general community quarantine (GCQ) takes effect in the National Capital Region (NCR) on June 1.
(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año who is the vice-chairman of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) said these buses will "supplement the MRT (Metro rail transit) , LRT (Light rail transit)" which will accommodate a limited number of passengers in compliance with the physical distancing policy as Metro Manila remains in quarantine.
"From 300, unti-unti ring magdadagdag ang DOTr hanggang papayagan na lahat ng buses (From 300, the DOTr (Department of Transportation) will gradually increase the number of buses allowed (to operate),'' Año said in an interview over DZMM.
Aside from trains and buses, the IATF said that taxis, ride-hailing cars, shuttle services and bicycles will be allowed to operate in limited capacities from June 1 to 21, the first phase of public transport resumption.
“Tricycles will be allowed subject to the approval of local government units while provincial buses are still barred from entering Metro Manila,’’ the DOTr said.
For the second phase that will run from June 22 to June 30, the DOTr said public utility buses, modern jeepneys and UV express vans will be allowed to operate.
However, Año said that the less restricted GCQ is not a license for the public to move freely on the streets stressing that quarantine protocols will still be strictly imposed.
The DILG chief called on them to stay home as much as possible, observe social distancing and wear masks in public places and practice proper hygiene at all times as COVID-19 remains a threat to the people’s health.