Taking public transport has become even trickier since this COVID-19 crisis started. Public transport vehicles have been forced to operate at limited capacities, all while ensuring compliance with stringent safety guidelines.
Fortunately, other modes of public transport have been allowed back on the road. Motorcycle taxis, for one, have been allowed to continue operating during the pandemic. That said, it’s understandable why many commuters have grown reluctant to ride motorcycle taxis given this situation we’re in at the moment.
So, to help you out, we’ve put together a list of COVID-19 safety tips for motorcycle-taxi passengers. Read on below.
1) Get your own helmet.
Ever since motorcycle taxis were allowed to resume operations during this pandemic, the government has required all passengers to bring their own helmets so as to reduce contact and avoid further transmission of COVID-19.
Make sure you don’t skimp on your helmet purchase and that the lid you get is certified by the ICC. Also, take note that only full-face, open-face, modular, and dual-sport helmets with full-face visors are allowed. If you’re looking for proper helmets that won’t break the bank, you can check out Top Bikes PH’s list of affordable open-face helmets.
2) Use your own accounts to book rides.
Some people book rides for others—say, their friends or family—but try to avoid it for the time being. If you book your rides using your own account, it’ll be easier for motorcycle-taxi companies and contact tracers to get hold of the right person immediately if needed.
3) Pay cashless.
Angkas, Move It, and JoyRide all accept different modes of cashless payments, so all you need to do as a passenger is ensure you can transact using at least one platform.
4) Be prepared for rain.
Be ready with your own rain gear, which includes a raincoat and a protective piece of plastic for your bag and belongings.
And since we’re also in the middle of this pandemic, you should also bring face masks in case the one you’re wearing gets drenched in the rain. Or, you know, your sweat.
5) Sanitize upon arriving at your destination.
You might want to consider bringing an extra set of clothes so you can change out of your commuting outfit upon arriving at your destination. If you ride a motorcycle taxi on the way home, you can simply head straight to the shower upon arrival.
Here are some freshening-up tips from cyclists who ride to work—you may find some of these useful as well.
6) If you’re showing even the slightest of COVID-19 symptoms, don’t go out.
This is a no-brainer, but we’ll include it, anyway. Isolate yourself, consult a doctor, and get tested, if needed. The same goes if you’re a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case. If you turn out to be an asymptomatic carrier and you still take a motorcycle taxi, you risk passing on the virus to the rider and his passengers after you.
Got any more tips you can add here? Share them in the comments, please.
