Old model jeepneys won’t be allowed in GCQ areas, DOTr clarifies

MANILA, Philippines — Modern jeepneys will be allowed to operate while old model jeepneys will remain banned in areas under a general community quarantine (GCQ).

Transportation Undersecretary for Administrative Services Artemio Tuazon Jr. revealed this Thursday as some areas in the country prepare to transition from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to GCQ starting Friday, May 1.

“Yung sinasabi po ni (Interior) Secretary (Eduardo) Año ay ‘yung mga lumang jeep, ‘yun po ‘yung mga lumang jeep na nakaharap po at dikit dikit ‘yung nakasakay (ay mga) hindi papayagan ngayon,” Tuazon clarified during an online press briefing.

(What Secretary Año is saying is that old models of jeepneys with tight spaces and passengers who are close together will not be allowed.)

“Ayon sa guidelines ng road sector, ang una nilang papaganahin para sa mga GCQ areas ay ‘yung mga modernized jeepneys po natin na front-facing,”  he added.

(According to the guidelines of the road sector, the first that will be allowed to operate in GCQ areas are those modernized jeepneys that are front-facing.)

This clarification came after Año earlier said in another online press conference that jeepneys are still prohibited from traversing roads in GCQ areas.

The government allowed partial operations of public transportation in GCQ areas where quarantine protocols will be eased provided that “one-meter distance between passengers” or social distancing must be followed.

KGA