LTFRB expects 2M commuters to use public transport post-ECQ

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) anticipates over two million commuters will utilize public transportation in Metro Manila once the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is lifted after May 15.

LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra estimated that 30 percent of the metropolis' estimated 11 million commuting population, which equates to 3.4 million people, might return to the roads, with public transport serving the majority of them.

About one million commuters are expected to use private vehicles like cars and bikes.

Delgra emphasized that non-essential travel should remain prohibited to curb the spread of COVID-19, urging people to stay home if there's no compelling reason to go out.

Public utility vehicles (PUVs) will require a special permit to resume operations, with restrictions including operating at 50 percent capacity and adhering to strict health protocols like physical distancing and mandatory face masks.

The LTFRB plans to identify and rationalize routes for efficiency and safety, prioritizing PUVs that can carry more passengers, such as buses and modern jeepneys, before traditional jeepneys.

This period is seen as an opportunity to implement reforms in public transport and address traffic congestion issues, particularly along EDSA.

Meanwhile, rail lines like MRT-3, LRT-1, LRT-2, and PNR will operate at a significantly reduced 14 percent passenger capacity, with measures like skip trains and block loading to manage passenger flow and ensure distancing.