ILOILO City – Monday next week, May 18, public utility jeepneys and taxis would be allowed to resume their operation, announced the city government’s Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO).
But not all jeepneys.
Only 25 percent of the total number of old model / traditional jeepneys (per jeepney route) would be allowed, according to PSTMO chief Jeck Conlu, while for taxis all units would be allowed.
Also, each jeepney unit would only be allowed to load up to 50 percent of its total passenger capacity so that social distancing could be observed.
The PSTMO chief, however, assured jeepney associations there would be adjustments as to the number of jeepneys allowed to operate as may be needed.
For automobile taxis, it is going to be a maximum of three passengers – one in the front seat and two in the back seats.
As to the jeepney fare, said Conlu, it would be P9 for the first four kilometers and an additional P1.50 for every succeeding kilometer so as not to unduly burden jeepney drivers and operators due to their reduced number of passengers.
This fare adjustment had the nod of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and Land Transportation Office in the region during a meeting yesterday, said Conlu.
The modern jeepneys, on the other hand, would all be allowed to operate. The minimum fare is P11 plus P1.80 for every succeeding kilometer.
For taxis, the fare should still be based on the meter reading.
TRANSPORT HEALTH SAFETY PROTOCOLS
According to Conlu, the following must be followed at all times to avoid spreading SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19):
* Inspection stops would be set up by the PSTMO. All jeepneys and taxis must stop in these spots for inspection.
* Drivers and passengers must wear facemasks at all times.
* Drivers should refuse passengers not wearing facemasks.
* Drivers must have disinfectants (sanitizers/alcohol) for the disinfection of their units.
* Social distancing must be observed by passengers.
* Each jeepney’s passenger load must only be 50 percent of its normal capacity.
* Each passenger must first pay the driver before boarding the jeepney.
* Drivers must have money bins where fares are stored.
* Drivers must sanitize their hands after receiving passengers’ fares.
* For taxis, there must be a plastic divider between the driver and passengers.
Conlu also said provincial jeepneys should be only up to transport terminals and that the 30 units of Vallacar Transit’s Ceres buses would continue to ply the city’s streets.
Regarding private vehicles, their drivers and passengers must wear facemask and have disinfectants.
Drivers violating these protocols risk being charged with reckless driving, according to Conlu.
People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales.
These droplets also land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth./PN