MANILA, Philippines — A significant decrease in the number of passengers was observed in Metro Manila’s mass railway transportation systems even as more workers flocked back to work Monday morning, Metro Manila’s first day under the general community quarantine (GCQ) status.
Photos shared by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) shows a minimal volume of passengers at Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) station platforms.
At MRT-3’s Cubao Terminal, every passenger lined up for inspection while observing physical distancing as their temperatures were checked, as seen in a video taken by Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Jodee Agoncillo.
Social distancing protocols such as wearing of face masks, temperature checks are strictly being followed at the MRT in Cubao, Quezon City. @Team_Inquirer pic.twitter.com/Gz9WBZ8V0j
— Jodee A. Agoncillo (@jodeeagoncillo) June 1, 2020
The same situation was noted at the Light Rail Transit 2 (LRT-2), where only a few commuters were allowed to board the trains to and from Cubao and Recto stations at around 8:00 a.m.
Even the waiting area for passengers falling in line at the Cubao Terminal were empty.
The waiting area at the LRT2 in Cubao, QC remained empty as very few passengers took the train to Recto during the first day of the general community quarantine. Here's the situation as of 8am. @Team_Inquirer pic.twitter.com/6EPcGldmB4
— Jodee A. Agoncillo (@jodeeagoncillo) June 1, 2020
According to DOTr, only 160 passengers per trip will be allowed at the LRT-2 during the GCQ period.
MRT-3, meanwhile, will carry 13 percent of its capacity or 153 passengers per trip.
Both trains of MRT-3 and LRT-2 will also undergo regular disinfection and sanitation.
LOOK: LRT 2 disinfects its trains at the Cubao station every 40 minutes according to LRT spokesman Atty Hernando Cabrera. @Team_Inquirer pic.twitter.com/lltksZBeFD
— Jodee A. Agoncillo (@jodeeagoncillo) June 1, 2020
Starting June 1, Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) Pangasinan, Albay, and Davao City will be on GCQ status after over two months of strict quarantine measures.
Road, rail, maritime and aviation sectors of public transportation are allowed to operate at a reduced capacity in these areas.