Strict health protocols in public transport vehicles, terminals pushed anew

After reports that cases of Covid-19 are once again on the rise, the leadership of the Department of Transportation has once again ordered for the strict implementation of health protocols inside public transport vehicles and in terminals.

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said that all transport sectors need to ensure that their respective enforcers and marshals are manning the streets as well as other transportation hubs are following the guidelines to curb the spread of the dreaded virus.

“The safety of commuters is paramount. I am ordering all transport sectors to strictly enforce the health and safety protocols in order to help prevent the spread of Covid,” Tugade said.

In line with this, the transportation secretary instructed enforcers of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and train marshals to see to it that proper social distancing must be observed inside public transport vehicles and within transport terminals.

The enforcers are commanded to ensure that commuters entering terminals and boarding public transport are also properly wearing masks and face shields. Transport marshals have also been ordered to remind commuters not to talk or eat while inside the trains.

“Huwag tayong maging kampante. Ang virus ay nandito pa rin, kaya ugaliin pa rin natin na magsuot ng face masks at face shields lalo na sa loob ng pampublikong transportasyon. Huwag makipagusap o kumain habang nasa loob ng sasakyan. Sundin din natin ang tamang physical distancing,” Tugade said.

Further, he also directed for the proper disinfection of public transport vehicles.

“Ugaliing i-disinfect ng madalas ang inyong mga sasakyan. Panatilihing strikto ang pagpapatupad ng mga protocols sa loob ng mga istasyon at terminal. Alalahanin po ninyo na kayo ang kapitan ng inyong mga minamanehong sasakyan. Kalakip nyan ang responsibilidad na protektahan ang buhay, kaligtasan at kalusugan ng inyong mga pasahero,” Tugade said.

Moreover, since enforcers and transport marshals cannot be on the lookout all the time, the DOTr is encouraging commuters to be vigilant against those who will be breaking health protocols.

“We need everyone’s cooperation. We cannot do this alone. Sa mga pasahero, drayber, at operator, magtulungan po tayong lahat. Maging responsable tayo at maging disiplinado,” Tugade concluded.

Photos from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Department of Transportation Facebook pages

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