DOTr releases ECQ public transport guidelines in NCR+

DOTr releases ECQ public transport guidelines in NCR+

MANILA: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has released updated guidelines on public transportation in accordance with the resolution by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) to upgrade the community quarantine category in the NCR+ bubble, which includes Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal, to enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from March 29 to April 4.

DOTr officials announced the updated transport and travel protocols for air, maritime, rail, and road transport sectors yesterday, March 28.

In the aviation sector, DOTr mandates that international inbound passenger capacity at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) must be limited to a maximum of 1,500 passengers per day. Meanwhile, domestic flights are allowed depending on the requirements on capacity and frequency of flights that may be implemented by the local government units (LGUs) outside of the NCR+ bubble. Airlines are also required to screen departing passengers as flights must be limited to essential only and can only carry Authorized Persons Outside of their Residence (APOR) only.

In the maritime sector, transport operations must be limited to 50% capacity. Maritime transport is limited to those allowed under the IATF omnibus guidelines. Requirements and guidelines by LGUs where voyages originate and end must also be followed. DOTr still allows vessel operations and cargo handling operations subject to compliance with the omnibus guidelines. All maritime vessels and port facilities are mandated to strictly observe health and safety protocols.

The railway sector’s passenger capacity must be retained to 20% to 30% — 370 passengers for LRT-1, 274 for LRT-2, 372 for MRT-3, and 310 for PNR. DOTr has also released the railway operations schedule for Holy Week as they will be conducting the annual maintenance and rehabilitation. The following schedule will be observed from March 30 to April 4:

MRT-3: No operations from March 30 (Holy Tuesday) to April 4 (Easter Sunday)

LRT-1: No operations from March 31 to April 4 (Easter Sunday)

LRT-2: No operations from March 31 to April 4 (Easter Sunday)

PNR: No operations on April 1, except for the Calamba-Tutuban trip; No operations on April 2 to 3

Public road transport is still allowed in areas under ECQ. Public utility buses (PUBs) and public utility jeepneys (PUJs) are still allowed to operate with 50% of the vehicle’s capacity. To maintain physical distancing, the one-seat-apart rule and no-standing passenger policy must be observed. Only point-to-point trips are allowed for provincial buses. For UV Express, taxis, and transport network vehicle service (TNVS), only up to two passengers are allowed per row. On the driver’s row, only one passenger must be allowed. Shuttle service vehicles are also allowed to operate, subject to strict physical distancing (one-seat apart) and health protocols. For tricycles, only one passenger is allowed. No passenger must be seated behind the driver. Only APOR are allowed to use motorcycle taxis. Operators of illegal motorcycle taxi services or “habal-habal” must be apprehended by enforcement agencies. Non-motorized transport and personal mobility device such as bicycles and scooters are allowed, as long as the rider strictly observes the physical distancing measures by the Department of Health (DOH).

The free transport services for medical frontliners will also continue to operate within the NCR+ bubble to decrease the capacity of PUVs,

Only APOR identified by the IATF are allowed for essential travel and operations of road transportations in the NCR+ bubble. Enforcers from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT), and IATF are deployed across the areas under ECQ to perform random inspections on PUVs and terminals to make sure that health protocols and operational requirements are strictly observed.

All transport sectors are mandated to implement the seven commandments inside public transport: wearing face masks and face shields, no talking and making telephone calls, no eating, keeping PUVs well-ventilated, conducting frequent disinfection, no passengers with COVID-19 symptoms are to be allowed inside public transportation, and observing appropriate physical distancing rule.

Photo from the Department of Transportation

Also read: Strict enforcement of health protocols ordered in ports

Hazel Nicole Carreon

Hazel Nicole Carreon

Hazel is a news and feature writer for ZigWheels Philippines. She studied communication at De La Salle Lipa, where she was exposed to writing about various topics, which later has become her passion and now her career.

Read Full Bio

Sell your car at the best price

Verified and genuine buyers Verified and genuine buyers
Free listing Free listing
List your car

PIMS 2024

You might also be interested in

  • News
  • Featured Stories
  • Upcoming
  • Geely Coolray 2024
    Geely Coolray 2024
    ₱1.199 - 1.299 Million Expected Price Manila
    Expected Launch TBA Alert Me When Launched
  • Kia Carens 2024
    Kia Carens 2024
    ₱1.57 Million Expected Price Manila
    Expected Launch Nov, 2024 Alert Me When Launched
  • Toyota Vios 2024
    Toyota Vios 2024
    ₱832,000 Expected Price Manila
    Expected Launch TBA Alert Me When Launched
  • Omoda E5 ev
    Omoda E5
    ₱1.9 Million Expected Price Manila
    Expected Launch Nov, 2024 Alert Me When Launched
  • MG RX8
    MG RX8
    ₱1.05 Million Expected Price Manila
    Expected Launch Dec, 2024 Alert Me When Launched

Latest Car Videos on Zigwheels

Zigwheels
  • 2025 BYD Seal 5 DM-i First Look | Zigwheels.Ph
    2025 BYD Seal 5 DM-i First Look | Zigwheels.Ph
    21 Nov, 2024 .
  • 2024 Toyota Zenix V Spec Guide | Zigwheels.Ph
    2024 Toyota Zenix V Spec Guide | Zigwheels.Ph
    14 Nov, 2024 .
  • 2024 GAC M6 Pro GL Review | Zigwheels.Ph
    2024 GAC M6 Pro GL Review | Zigwheels.Ph
    14 Nov, 2024 .
  • 7 Reasons Why Tesla is a Big Deal | Z-List S02E02 | Zigwheels.Ph
    7 Reasons Why Tesla is a Big Deal | Z-List S02E02 | Zigwheels.Ph
    14 Nov, 2024 .
  • Dream Garage Walkaround: The 2024 Nissan Z! | Zigwheels.Ph with Nissan Philippines
    Dream Garage Walkaround: The 2024 Nissan Z! | Zigwheels.Ph with Nissan Philippines
    05 Nov, 2024 .
  • Top 10 EVs with the Longest Ranges in the Philippines | Z-List S02E01 | Zigwheels.Ph
    Top 10 EVs with the Longest Ranges in the Philippines | Z-List S02E01 | Zigwheels.Ph
    05 Nov, 2024 .
  • 2024 MG ZS First Look + More | Zigwheels.Ph
    2024 MG ZS First Look + More | Zigwheels.Ph
    05 Nov, 2024 .
  • 2024 PIMS Launch Recap | Zigwheels.Ph
    2024 PIMS Launch Recap | Zigwheels.Ph
    05 Nov, 2024 .
  • 2024 Lexus IS300H POV Driving Review | ZIGWHEELS.PH
    2024 Lexus IS300H POV Driving Review | ZIGWHEELS.PH
    05 Nov, 2024 .
  • 2025 Changan Hunter REEV First Look | Zigwheels.Ph with Changan Auto Philippines
    2025 Changan Hunter REEV First Look | Zigwheels.Ph with Changan Auto Philippines
    29 Oct, 2024 .
Watch Car Videos

Car Articles From Carmudi

  • journal
  • advice
  • financing
  • insurance
  • MG Motor PH, Antara Ventures open Lipa dealership
    MG Motor PH, Antara Ventures open Lipa dealership
    Ruben Manahan IV, Nov 21, 2024
  • SCTEX toll fee rates to go up tomorrow
    SCTEX toll fee rates to go up tomorrow
    Ruben Manahan IV, Nov 18, 2024
  • Pump prices to go down this week
    Pump prices to go down this week
    Ruben Manahan IV, Nov 18, 2024
  • BYD to introduce Denza in PH by 2025
    BYD to introduce Denza in PH by 2025
    Ruben Manahan IV, Nov 18, 2024
  • BYD marks 30th anniversary with 10-millionth unit rollout
    BYD marks 30th anniversary with 10-millionth unit rollout
    Ruben Manahan IV, Nov 18, 2024
  • Save your clutch: 5 things manual drivers should never do
    Save your clutch: 5 things manual drivers should never do
    Carmudi PH, Nov 15, 2024
  • Expired driver’s license: Answering the most common questions
    Expired driver’s license: Answering the most common questions
    Carmudi PH, Nov 13, 2024
  • Buying a used car? Here’s how a ccan help you
    Buying a used car? Here’s how a ccan help you
    Carmudi PH, Nov 06, 2024
  • All you need to know about the LTO Medical Certificate
    All you need to know about the LTO Medical Certificate
    Carmudi PH, Nov 02, 2024
  • Buying a used car in the Philippines? Here’s how to dodge scams
    Buying a used car in the Philippines? Here’s how to dodge scams
    Carmudi PH, Oct 16, 2024
  • How to negotiate the best interest rate for your car loan
    How to negotiate the best interest rate for your car loan
    Carmudi PH, Nov 11, 2024
  • Top 15 banks for affordable car loans in the Philippines
    Top 15 banks for affordable car loans in the Philippines
    Carmudi PH, Oct 10, 2024
  • Car loans made simple for OFWs: Everything you need to know
    Car loans made simple for OFWs: Everything you need to know
    Carmudi PH, Oct 03, 2024
  • Car Loan Restructure: Everything a Filipino needs to know before applying
    Car Loan Restructure: Everything a Filipino needs to know before applying
    Carmudi PH, Oct 02, 2024
  • Pitfalls to avoid when refinancing auto loan in the Philippines
    Pitfalls to avoid when refinancing auto loan in the Philippines
    Carmudi PH, Sep 24, 2024
  • Reviewing Oona Car Insurance: Benefits, key features, cost and more
    Reviewing Oona Car Insurance: Benefits, key features, cost and more
    Carmudi PH, Nov 19, 2024
  • Reviewing SGI Car Insurance: Pros, cons, coverage options & more
    Reviewing SGI Car Insurance: Pros, cons, coverage options & more
    Carmudi PH, Oct 31, 2024
  • No car insurance? Here’s what all wrong can happen in the Philippines
    No car insurance? Here’s what all wrong can happen in the Philippines
    Carmudi PH, Oct 29, 2024
  • All you need to know about taking photos after a car accident in the Philippines
    All you need to know about taking photos after a car accident in the Philippines
    Carmudi PH, Oct 29, 2024
  • Here’s how to easily obtain car insurance quotes online
    Here’s how to easily obtain car insurance quotes online
    Carmudi PH, Oct 23, 2024

Compare

You can add 3 variants maximum*