Michael V (L) and the long line of commuters in MRT. Image: Instagram/@michaelbitoy, Philippine Daily Inquirer/Jam Sta. Rosa
Comedian Michael V asked if Metro Manila is ready for the surge of people who will be traveling using mass transportation once the National Capital Region (NCR) is placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) or the “new normal.”
The “Pepito Manaloto” star expressed his concern for commuters on his Instagram post yesterday, May 26.
He also wondered how authorities could enforce social distancing guidelines in trains such as the Metro Rail Transit (MRT), which has been accommodating a high volume of commuters even before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The inquiry came after mayors of Metro Manila have “unanimously” recommended placing the National Capital Region from modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) to general community quarantine (GCQ) starting June 1. However, the final decision of whether or not Metro Manila will be placed under GCQ is yet to be made, as of this writing.
Michael V showed a photo of MRT’s commuter situation prior to the lockdown. The long lines of commuters stretched from the entrance of the station down to the stairs and along the sidewalk.
“Before COVID, ganito ang itsura ng NORMAL,” he said. “Hindi lang sa MRT kundi pati sa majority ng establishments sa major cities dito sa ‘tin.”
(Before COVID-19, this was what “normal” looked like. Not just in the MRT but also in majority of establishments in major cities.)
“Tingin n’yo… kakayanin ba natin? (Do you think we can handle it?)” he asked.
Despite the uncertainty, Michael V thinks that if all the guidelines are followed, commuters might be reduced to more than half its usual volume.
Under the GCQ, some types of mass transportation will be allowed to operate, but with limitations. The Metro Manila Council (MMC) recommended the continued suspension of buses and jeepney operations even if Metro Manila would be placed under GCQ.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority cited health concerns as to why jeeps and buses are still not recommended to operate even after the MECQ lapses by the end of May. Transport agencies are also arranging possible bus routes while cities are still under quarantine.
If placed under GCQ, MRT and Light Rail Transit (LRT) will only accommodate 160 passengers per train or 20% of its total capacity.
MMC also recommended to allow Transportation Network Vehicle Service and taxis to operate with the restriction that it can only accommodate two passengers per trip. During GCQ, companies that will resume operations are advised to provide shuttle services for their employees. JB
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