Gov’t provides free bus rides for health workers in ‘east area route’ 

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is providing on Tuesday free bus service for health workers in the East Area Route 14 and 16 as assigned by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

“Shuttle buses of Department of Public Works and Highways are providing today, March 31, 2020 free bus service operation for health workers in the East Area Route 14 and 16,” the agency said in a social media post.

The East Area Route 14 traverses SM City Taytay, SM City East Ortigas, The Medical City (Ortigas), Robinsons Galleria, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, SM City Sta. Mesa, Delos Santos Medical Center, and St. Luke’s Medical Center (E. Rodriguez).

East Area Route 16 meanwhile, covers the San Mateo Medical Center, SM City San Mateo, St. Vincent Hospital, Immaculate Conception Hospital, Marikina Valley Medical Center, Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, St. Anthony Medical Center, BFCT East Transport Terminal, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, and The Medical City (Ortigas) and up to Robinsons Galleria.

The buses provided by the department will transport passengers to and from designated routes at 5 a.m., 7 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m.

DPWH Bureau of Equipment Director Noel Toribio Ilao said all bus drivers and crew are provided with personal protective equipment, and that the free bus service operation complies with the protocols set by the Department of Health, including social distancing, body temperature checks, and regular disinfecting of vehicles.

The DOTr has earlier bared other routes where shuttle buses will traverse to provide health workers access to transport service, amid the suspension of public transport operations under the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.