QUEZON CITY, Sept 11 (PIA) – The Interagency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has adopted the recommendations of the economic development cluster (EDC) for public transportation to provide safe, responsive and inclusive transportation services amid the country’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque in a virtual press briefing on Thursday said.
Among the measures are the adaption and continuous updating of the latest health standards and best practices in consultation with health experts and provision of regular shuttle services for employees of government agencies, large corporations, and firms registered in economic zones.
Companies which cannot sustain financially the provision of shuttle service can adopt alternative arrangements, such as cost-sharing or provision of partial vouchers for use of Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS).
According to Roque, the government will also be allowing service contracting of Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs), as it will partly subsidize public transport operations, and incentivize PUV operators to return and serve commuters. These measures will in turn restore livelihoods of displaced transport workers, empower the government to enforce health, safety and operational standards, as well as fund the additional cost of sanitation protocols.
There is also a need to establish an interoperable automatic fare collection system (AFCS) for all PUVs, to promote cashless payments and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Also recommended is the setting up and enforcing dedicated lanes for PUVs in major routes, as well as building more PUVs stops and stations. This is to increase the headway of PUVs, and reduce commuters’ time inside PUVs and in queues; which will lessen the passengers’ unnecessary exposure to crowds.
Likewise, protected bicycle lanes and racks, at-grade crosswalks, wider walkways, and other forms of active transport infrastructure will also be set-up for the public to have access to safe lanes.
According to Roque, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Labor and Employment DOLE), will be issuing the implementing guidelines.(VQR/PIA-IDPD).
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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