Motoring Today Column

May 06, 2020

Perhaps one of the biggest challenges facing government authorities in transitioning from Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) and finally to what should be new norms of conduct and social practices while and in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic is meeting the demand for safe mass transport.

Social or physical distancing is among the main keys to minimizing if not completely stopping the spread of the Covid-19 virus that has infected more than three million and killed close to 250,000 people in some 210 countries and territories worldwide.

 How to maintain physical distancing in the various modes of mass land transport in the Philippine setting—from trains, buses, shuttles, vans, jeepneys to tricycles—is the main challenge for authorities.

Virtually all forms of mass public land transport were banned under the ECQ declared in Luzon and in other regions, province and cities that were hit by the pandemic. This was after the experiment with what government called a community quarantine in the NCR failed to curb the infections.

 After weeks of imposing severe shelter-at-home restrictions, government is moving to wean communities out of ECQ and into what it calls the GCQ. ECQ would still be maintained in the NCR and other regions still doing some heavy counting of Covid-19 cases. But large segments of the country have been declared as GCQ zones with restrictions relaxed to allow some businesses to resume operations.

Many see the GCQ as an experiment in how Metro Manila and other regions can transition from severe to relaxed Covid-19 pandemic norms. Already people are beginning to understand that even with an effective cure for those infected and a vaccine to prevent infection have been developed, changes are inevitable in most if not all work places and trades, travel for business or leisure, entertainment and sport, and private and public transport.

How communities cope under GCQ and whether this could slow down if not stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus would determine when and how Metro Manila and the rest of the country would transition to the new normal.

By the time this is being read, we would have seen how GCQ guidelines are working, or not, in meeting the demands for transport for people—mainly workers of shops and companies allowed to resume operations amid the pandemic in cities, provinces and regions identified as having low to moderate risk for the spread of infection.

Under GCQ, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is allowing various modes of land transport to operate under guidelines meant to meet physical distancing standards as well as other pandemic health safety measures recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health (DOH) to minimize the spread of the virus.

In essence under GHQ, authorities determine what modes of transport can operate in certain areas or routes depending on demand. To meet social or physical distancing guidelines, buses and other PUVs allowed to operate could only take on half of the usual passenger capacity.

In a press statement, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman Martin Delgra III, said: “PUV modes with higher passenger capacity such as buses will be prioritized consistent with the Department Order No. 2017-011 or the ‘Omnibus Guidelines on the Planning and Identification of Public Road Transportation Services and Franchise Issuance.’ In areas where buses are not enough to serve the actual passenger demand, or the road characteristics will not permit their operations, PUVMP compliant PUVs are the next priority. In areas with unavailable buses and modern PUVs, PUJ’s and UV Express may operate. In areas were no other mode of public transportation is available, tricycles may be permitted to operate as determined by the LTFRB in coordination with the corresponding LGU.”

Before the GCQ was implemented in identified areas, authorities came out with pictures showing seating arrangements to be implemented in various types of PUVs.

They also disseminated guidelines aimed at reducing contact, transmission, and spread of the virus in public transport through the mandatory use of face masks and gloves for drivers and constant and thorough disinfection of vehicles and terminals.

Authorities have reaped some criticism for how they responded to the challenges of mitigating effects of the pandemic. But many believe the GCQ guidelines for public transport could only work as planned if transport operators and drivers themselves, as well commuters, understand the need for complying with the new normal for commuting. That these guidelines are for everyone’s protection and benefit.

However, some say that aside from the safety aspect of the guidelines, thought should also be given to how the guidelines affect the earning capacity of transport operators and drivers. They are in effect forced to take only half their usual fare per trip. Already a jeepney transport group is suggesting that the boundary drivers pay should also be halved.

Others believe that drivers and operators should comply with the guidelines wholeheartedly if they are assured of steady and adequate income

Commuters also must understand the need for maintaining social or physical distancing while waiting for rides. How to go about this will be a challenge both for the commuters and authorities tasked to enforce the guidelines. Witness how easily people forget physical distancing lining up for relief goods and packages.

Many expect discipline to come only when commuters are assured that there are enough affordable transport to go around. And that they don’t have to wait long to get their ride.

People tired of being cooped up in their homes, or raring to get back to the proper work place, are certainly hoping the ECQ is succeeding in flattening the curve and the GCQ is helping communities transition back to normal life. Or as close to the normal life before the pandemic.

Limited Capacity

Looking forward to resuming operations with limited capacity once the ECQ is lifted, or on May 16, 2020, are the LRT-1, LRT-2, MRT-3 and Philippine National Railways.

A DOTr press release said the light railway systems and the PNR are already preparing trains and stations to have markings to enforce social or physical distancing.

It said that pursuant to Department of Health guidelines, the following passengers will not be allowed to enter the station: passengers who are not wearing proper face mask; passengers showing Covid-19 symptoms or with a registered body temperature of 37.8°C or higher; senior citizens, passengers 20 years old and below, and pregnant women.

The DOTr assures passengers that regular disinfection and sanitation of train interiors, station premises and facilities will be conducted. Handwashing or disinfectant stations will also be installed at stations.

Maxus Ready

Maxus Philippines says it’s ready to reopen its dealerships and welcome customers after the ECQ is lifted but under government-set guidelines for modified business operations to safeguard the health, security, and well-being of staff and customers.

 In a press release, Maxus Philippines general manager Reginald See said: “By the time we are permitted to operate and our customers allowed to visit our dealerships once again, we will implement certain guidelines, procedures, and systems in order to ensure our readiness and guarantee the safety of our employees, business partners and customers.”

It said the following will be implemented during the resumption of dealer operations:

• 1. Customers (scheduled and walk-ins) will be required to wear facemasks. If they forget to bring one, the dealer will provide facemask that must be worn all the time inside the dealership.
• 2. Customers will be screened for body temperature and those with readings that exceed 37 degrees Celsius will be refused entry.
• 3. Customers are urged to maintain physical distancing of at least one meter (3.3 feet) from other customers and staff when within the premises.
• 4. Customers/guests will be encouraged to use hand sanitizers, which will be made accessible in strategic locations.
• 5. Aftersales services are by appointment only. Customers are advised to call their Maxus dealers first.

Happy Motoring!!!

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