Bus Operators Says Conductors Are Not Included on ‘New Normal’ Guidelines
MANILA – Bus conductors are not included in the guidelines on the “new normal” under the COVID-19 crisis from the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
In a report of ABS-CBN, government released guidelines on the public transportation under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) areas. This includes mandatory wearing of face masks, buses are allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity and suspension of motorcycle taxis.
Among the ‘new normal’ guidelines for bus operators include physical distancing, wearing of face masks, disinfection of buses, and an automated fare system.
“Talagang ayaw na nila ng konduktor [they really don’t like conductors] because they want the automatic fare system pero hindi po sigurado ‘yun [but it is still uncertain] how we can do it…if it’s possible within a short time,” said Juliet de Jesus, managing director of Samahan ng Transport Operators ng Pilipinas to radio DZMM.
She said the group is set to meet with the government officials later Tuesday to discuss the guidelines to be placed in Metro Manila once the lockdown expires on May 15. De Jesus added the 50 percent capacity will be big impact to bus operators.
“Meron po kaming ire-reiterate sa DOTr. Itong aming pagooperate ng 50 percent eh losses po talaga,” she said. “Meron kaming nirecommend na subsidy tsaka other non-monetary consideration pag nagstart kami ng operation. Fuel subsidy is one, yun pong aming amortization,” she added.
De Jesus said the group asked the Department of Budget and Management and the Central Bank if it could pay its amortization within 24 months.
“Malaki po kasi ang aming amortization ng mga modern buses ngayon because of the modernization program of DOTr. Puro utang po kasi ang mga operators ngayon. We have to borrow or else wala po kaming operations sa kalye,” she said.
Since the enhanced community quarantine has been implemented by the government to contain the spread of coronavirus, public transportations was suspended as part of the guidelines for safety measures.
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