As Metro Manila and nearby areas return to the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) status, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Tuesday has positioned over 100 buses along 20 routes solely for frontliners.
In an interview with GMA’s Unang Hirit, Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran shared that the DOTr Road Sector, together with other agencies and private sector, will provide free rides.
“Nagpapatupad din po ang ating DOTr Road Sector ng tinatawag natin na hospital positioning strategy,” Libiran said.
“Meron po tayong na-identify na mga ospitals, in coordination with the DOH, na atin pong nilalagyan ng dedicated shuttle service para sa mga empleyado,’ she added.
Libiran also added that 10 vans will be stationed at the Philippine General Hospital, while two each will be allotted at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and Asian Hospital.
Additional free ride services will depend upon the approval of the Department of Health (DOH), Libiran said.
Transportation of other employees should be provided by their companies as mandated under the policy of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).
No special permits are required for private companies who will hire public transport vehicles for their employees.
“Hindi na po kinakailangang mag-apply ng Special Permit (SP) ang mga pampublikong sasakyan na gagamitin ng mga pribadong kumpanya bilang shuttle service habang tayo ay nasa MECQ,” she said.
“Kailangan lamang po ay magpakita ang driver ng certificate/authorization letter o letter of intent mula sa kumpanya, na may nakasaad na partikular na ruta, bilang patunay na ang pampublikong sasakyan ay ginagamit na shuttle service,” she added.
She advised private companies to hire buses, UV Express units, and jeepneys, which are all affected by the newly implemented lockdown protocol.
“Maglalabas po ngayong araw ang LTFRB ng listahan ng mga operator at contact numbers para makatulong sa mga pribadong kumpanya na nangangailangan ng shuttle service,” she added.
Recently, the Office of Vice President Leni Robredo resumed its free shuttle service for medical frontliners as Metro Manila and nearby provinces. RJ Espartinez
READ: OVP resumes free shuttle service for medical frontliners