DOTr wants reduced number of passengers in Metro Manila trains

MANILA, Philippines — The number of passengers will be reduced and routes in areas outside Metro Manila will be suspended for the country’s railways sector in compliance with the 30-day community quarantine imposed in Metro Manila due to the coronavirus disease outbreak.

Under the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) guidelines issued Saturday, passengers of trains should be limited in platforms in all railways including Philippine National Railways (PNR), Light Rail Transits (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) to ensure social distancing.

DOTr said train managements may choose to extend its operating hours to serve those in the workforce.

Meanwhile, PNR operations from Alabang to Calamba and vice versa will be suspended during the quarantine period.

Passengers with COVID-19 symptoms will be refused to enter the stations, more so, ride the trains.

The Philippine government declared a lockdown in Metro Manila to restrict land, domestic air and domestic sea travel  in Metro Manila from March 15 to April 14.

Permitted to continue operations are public mass transport including LRT, MRT, PNR.

Public utility vehicles, meanwhile, are subjected to travel restrictions in Metro Manila.

Edited by JPV