Mobility after ECQ

If there is anything good about going back into another ECQ after having “enjoyed” GCQ for 15 days, it’s the chance of learning from the good experiences, and especially the mistakes, of the previous lifting of the lockdown.  Being clamped down by the President back to ECQ after a 15-day retrieve, was already a shame by itself; being sent a special national executor to lead in the Covid-19 response, speaks much of the capability of the local machinery, or lack of it.  We needed all the help we could, we hope Secretary Cimatu will succeed.

Cebu City’s ECQ status was extended to another 30 days, till July 15.  How the virus can be contained in the next 8 days will determine whether we will graduate to MECQ or GCQ.  My opinion will always be on the side of caution – MECQ first before GCQ, or remain in ECQ altogether.  Jumping ahead will always be a formula for disaster, as is displayed by the rapid resurgence of cases in many US states and in other countries.  Don’t give the virus an opportunity.  It will grab it!

What are the more important learning points from the last ECQ?  First – social distancing, especially in mobility, is key!  Second, sufficient capacity is necessary, from the very start.  Lifting restrictions is intended to restart the economy.  But the experience of Cebu City when the ECQ was first lifted in June 1 was simply a disaster!  There we’re no rides available, and whatever was put up later in the day and week, were grossly insufficient with the number of workers needing the rides to their jobs which they lost in the last two months. 

The cause?  A simple decision of an agency which found an exciting opportunity to force the Jeepney Modernization Program over an immobile traditional jeepney fleet.  Oh, they prioritized them alright - first the buses, then the new modernized PUJ’s, etc. and at the bottom of the list – the old jeepneys.  But DOTr was hoping the new vehicles will already suffice, which they didn’t, even after the rush in registration and accreditation, weeks after the ECQ was lifted.  So, workers scrambled over the seats, throwing caution to the wind and forgetting social distancing, and many others had to contend with walking for miles each day.

I am for the PUJ modernization.  But in the right way.  It shouldn’t be done taking advantage of the pandemic.  Implement it later, in a proper way as originally planned, when we’re already in the new normal.  But when we come out of the ECQ this second time, DOTr should allow the old jeepneys to run, and ensure sufficient seat capacity, already equating social distancing.  And these should be arranged beforehand, ready to move on Day 1.  Which means all the calculations should be made today, the routes accounted for using origin-destination (OD) data, highest OD pairs provided with direct services, and minimizing transfers (which is also consistent with social distancing).  Just let the jeepneys run – this is good for the operators and drivers, and most especially, the public you were sworn to serve.