Buses available for commuters as Metro Manila shifts to GCQ — MMDA

MANILA, Philippines — A number of buses will be available on Monday, June 1, to help transport commuters as Metro Manila shifts to general community quarantine, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Sunday.

During the Balitaan sa Maynila media forum, MMDA Edsa traffic chief Bong Nebrija said that buses will be available at several Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) stations to cater to passengers traveling northbound and southbound.

Southbound passengers can ride buses stationed at North Avenue and Quezon Avenue MRT stations, with drop off points at Ayala and Taft Avenue MRT stations.

Meanwhile, northbound trips will begin at Ayala and Taft Avenue MRT stations, and passengers will be dropped off at North Avenue and Quezon Avenue MRT stations.

Citing the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Nebrija said that around 90 buses will be deployed on Monday which will operate “all day.”

Physical distancing will be imposed in the buses, said Nebrija.

“Ang queueing line nito ay medyo matagal dahil sa physical distancing guidelines natin. I suggest everyone should have more time in their travel tour para sa ganun, hindi naman kayo male-late,” said Nebrija.

Nebrija also advised commuters to stay at home if their trip is not essential so they would not contribute to the expected buildup of vehicles.

“We’re expecting na nung ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) to MECQ (modified enhanced community quarantine), nag-double ang volume sa EDSA. We’re projecting 50 percent to 60 percent ang ine-expect natin tomorrow,” Nebrija said.

In areas placed under GCQ, road, rail, maritime, and aviation sectors of public transportation shall operate at a reduced operational and vehicle capacity, given that minimum health standards are observed.

A minimum 1-meter physical distancing in public transport is also required.

LIST: What to expect in areas under GCQ, MGCQ