Safety protocols for provincial buses pushed

MANILA, Philippines — Health and safety protocols should be in place before provincial buses resume operations in Metro Manila beginning Sept. 30, the government’s pandemic task force said over the weekend.

Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles made the statement after transport agencies allowed 12 modified provincial bus routes going to Metro Manila from Batangas, Cavite, Laguna and Pampanga to open.

Based on new guidelines, provincial buses may only pick up and drop off passengers at designated terminals in Metro Manila. Passengers need to secure their tickets two days before the trip except during emergencies.

Nograles said there should be proper coordination among local governments to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has reminded bus operators to strictly comply with standard health protocols.

LTFRB National Capital Region director Zona Tamayo said the health of passengers is still the government’s utmost concern.

A total of 286 provincial buses will be allowed to resume partial operations in Metro Manila on Wednesday.

Under the LTFRB memorandum circular, stringent protocols should be put in place to mitigate the possible transmission of COVID-19 among passengers.

Officials have reminded passengers not to eat, talk or answer phone calls while in buses.

Passengers’ body temperature must also be checked prior to boarding buses. Those who have COVID-like symptoms will not be allowed to board. – Romina Cabrera