The government just announced that Greater Manila will go under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until April 30, 2021. While Malacañang has yet to discuss the differences between ECQ and MECQ, some clarifications have already been made in the transport sector.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) assistant secretary Goddes Libiran announced that there will be no changes in capacity and operations of public transport during MECQ. “Kung ano po ang public transport modes na available noong GCQ, ganoon pa rin po ang ipatutupad ngayong MECQ,” she said in her Facebook post.
There will be, however, additional PUJ routes in Metro Manila as well as provincial bus routes to be opened by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) under the DOTr’s new directives. 60 PUJ routes will be opened on April 13 and 190 provincial PUB routes on April 15. Granted, only authorized persons outside of residence (APOR) will still be allowed to board PUVs.
The DOTr has also made it clear that there will be no fare hikes during this new MECQ period. To check out the full guidelines on public transport, check out this previous story of ours. You can also check out Libiran’s official post below:
Take note of these, readers, especially all APORs. Likewise, watch this space for further updates.
