Proposal to lessen physical distancing in public vehicles approved by gov't

On Friday, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade announced that the government has approved a proposal to lessen the physical distance between commuters in public transport vehicles. The strict physical distancing guidelines for public transportation will be eased gradually to accommodate more passengers.

Tugade said the Economic Development Cluster (EDC) and the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) proposal was approved and supported by the National Task Force against COVID-19 and the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease.

DOTr initially announced the adjustment will start on September 14, but Transportation Assistant Secretary Goddes Libiran take it back, saying they have to meet with DOH, EDC, and IATF to finalize the date of implementation.

From the one-meter distance recommended by the World Health Organization, DOTr will reduce the space between commuters inside public transportation to 0.75 meters. The distance will be reduced to 0.5 meters after two weeks, then down to 0.3 after another 14 days.

DOTr said that, with the mandatory use of face masks and face shields in public transport, the one-meter physical distancing measure being observed can eventually be adjusted to 0.3 meters.

EDC also supported the DOTr and called for the reduction of physical distancing requirements among passengers in public utility vehicles, provided that commuters will observe strict health and safety measures.

Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., NTF against COVID-19 chief implementer said that the easing of physical distancing rules, without sacrificing strict health protocols such as wearing face masks and face shields, “will help soothe the transportation woes of Filipino commuters.” Also, standing passengers may be accommodated in modern PUVs and public utility buses. The adjustment in physical distancing rules also apply to airlines and passenger ferries.

DOTr said the EDC consulted with health experts before making the proposal, arguing that strict enforcement of health standards including the no-talking rule inside trains will ensure the safety of commuters.