DOTr ramps up COVID-19 mitigation through strict health protocols in public transport sector

MANILA: To aid in mitigating the spread of the coronavirus, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) mandated the stringent enforcement of health measures inside public utility vehicles and in terminals across the country.

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade has required the transport sector to make sure that transport marshals and enforcers deployed in different transportation terminals and on the streets are strictly implementing the COVID-19 health guidelines to prevent further viral transmission.

Secretary Tugade said, “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-19.”

Secretary Tugade gave instructions to the enforcers from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and train marshals to ensure that proper social distancing is strictly observed in transport hubs and inside public vehicles.

Marshals and enforcers have been ordered to ensure that commuters going inside terminals and boarding public transport vehicles are wearing face shields and masks. Transport marshals have also been instructed to remind commuters to avoid eating or talking while they are inside the trains.

Secretary Tugade said, “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 (Let us not be lax. The virus is still here, and that’s why we need to wear face masks and face shields, especially inside public vehicles. Refrain from talking or eating while you are inside the vehicle. Let us follow proper physical distancing).” 

Secretary Tugade also instructed public transport operators to make sure that their vehicles are properly sanitized and safe.

The offical said, “Ugaliing i-disinfect nang 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 (Let us make it a habit to frequently disinfect our vehicles. Maintain the strict implementation of protocols within stations and terminals. Bear in mind that you are the captain of the vehicles you are driving, and along with this, is the responsibility of protecting the lives, safety, and health of your passengers).” 

Although transport marshals and enforcers may not be around all the time, the DOTr is urging commuters to stay alert against those who will be violating health protocols.

Tugade added, “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 (For the passengers, drivers, and operators, we need to help each other. Let us be responsible and disciplined).” 

Photos from the Department of Transportation (DOTr)

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