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Mayors Don't Think Jeeps, Buses Should Be on the Road During GCQ

New bus routes are still being finalized, according to MMDA.
by Ysabel Y. Yuzon
May 27, 2020
Public transpo under GCQ will also be required to have limited passenger capacity and regular disinfection of vehicles.
Photo/s: Jerome Ascano
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Metro Manila mayors say no buses and jeeps should be allowed on the roads yet, even if and when we transition to GCQ. 

In a not-so-surprising turn of events, the Metro Manila Council (MMC), made up of 17 NCR mayors, recommended on May 26 that Metro Manila transition into a general community quarantine (GCQ) by June 1, 2020. This comes following the implementation of the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from May 16 to May 31.

While it will ultimately be the government’s Inter-Agency Task Force's (IATF) decision, MMC has also proposed several limitations on mass transportation should their proposed GCQ period be implemented. 

“May kaunting concerns lang ang ating mga mayors, number one sa mass transportation. Sabi nga natin baka pwede iwas muna tayo sa because of health issues sa bus and jeepney or modern jeep,” Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) general manager Jojo Garcia said in an online press briefing after the MMC meeting.

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The report also states that MMC recommends to first allow  transport network vehicle services like Grab and taxis to operate, but only with two passengers per row at a time. Tricycles, with one passenger at time, may be allowed to operate, but not on national roads.

The 'new normal' for employees

Considering that public transportation is expected to operate on a reduced capacity, it seems your best bet for getting to work under GCQ if you don't have a private vehicle is to hope that your company can provide shuttle services, or near-site accomodations.

Meanwhile, train lines could also be allowed to operate on a limited capacity. NCR Police Office Chief Debold Sinas has already led the simulation exercise at LRT-2, along with 500 police trainees.

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For train commuters, face masks, disinfection, and temperature scans will be mandatory, as well as maintaining physical distance in each carriage.

For more of our stories on the ongoing crisis, click here. For the latest news and updates on COVID-19, check out reportr.world/covid-19.