The current public transportation supply and capacity will be retained during the reimposition of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila from Aug. 6 to 20, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced.

Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade on Tuesday, Aug. 3, said the latest omnibus guidelines approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases have allowed the continued operation of public transportation, at such capacity and supply that has been recommended by the DOTr.

However, Tugade emphasized that only Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APORs) as identified by the IATF will be accommodated by public transport services.

"There will be stricter enforcement to ensure that only APORs are permitted to use public transport, as mandated by the IATF," Tugade 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," he added.

Road sector

During the two-week ECQ in the National Capital Region (NCR), Tugade said public utility vehicles (PUVs) will be allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity via the "one-seat-apart" setup.

Standing passengers will not be allowed, while only one passenger will be allowed on the driver's row.

Operations of motorcycle taxi services and transport network vehicle service (TNVS) will also be allowed during the ECQ period. The use of active transport methods such as bicycles and electric scooters is being encouraged.

Tricycles are only permitted to carry one passenger in the sidecar should their operations be approved by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and local government units (LGUs).

Railway sector

All trains of the major railway systems in NCR including the Philippine National Railways (PNR), Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 (LRT-1 and LRT-2), and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) will be deployed during the ECQ period. The train coaches will be disinfected after every loop.

To strictly enforce health protocols and identify APOR passengers, Tugade said transport marshals will be deployed in all trains. Passengers showing symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to board.

Vaccinated APORs will be given free rides at MRT-3, LRT-2, and PNR between Aug. 3 to 20, the DOTr earlier said.

Aviation and maritime sectors

Domestic flights and sea travel in the NCR will also continue during the ECQ, subject to community quarantine restrictions of the destinations.

Passengers were advised to inquire first with their airlines or shipping lines regarding their flights or sea travels to avoid inconvenience.

The DOTr chief noted that stricter health protocols will be enforced by transport marshals at various terminals and stations.

Tugade also reiterated the need to observe the following "seven commandments of public transport safety" at the stations and terminals and inside public transport vehicles, especially with the current threat posed by the more dangerous Delta variant of the coronavirus disease:

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

7. Observe appropriate physical distancing rule

"We at the DOTr reiterate the need for us to strictly observe the necessary health and safety measures aboard public transportation. We are more adamant now, as we reinforce the government initiatives and measures to prevent the spread of the highly-transmissible Delta variant," Tugade said.

"We therefore remind the riding public of the importance of stringently observing the Public Transport Health Protocols, based on the recommendations of health experts, to protect and uphold the overall welfare of the passengers, and other transport stakeholders," he added.