Baguio checks Covid rules compliance in PUV hubs

By Liza Agoot 

BAGUIO CITY – The city government will deploy policemen and Public Order and Safety Division (POSD) personnel in public utility vehicle (PUV) terminals to ensure observance of the minimum health and safety standards against Covid-19. 
    Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the move is aimed at checking compliance of jeepney drivers with the 70-percent seating capacity guidelines and passengers’ proper use of face masks. 
    Magalong said PUV operators and drivers met with city officials to seek assistance in ensuring commuters will also abide by the rule. 
    “I-nacknowledge naman nila yan (siksikan) during our meeting kaya humihingi na sila ng tulong sa atin (they acknowledged during our meeting that there is crowding that is why they are asking for our help),” he said. 
    According to the transport sector members, the problem usually occurs during rush hours when passengers on queue start to break the lines to rush inside the jeepney in their haste to go home, making it difficult for the driver to reduce the number of people inside.
    The Dept. of Transportation earlier issued a guideline allowing the removal of plastic barriers in public utility vehicles but allowed only a 70-percent capacity. 
     “We cautioned violators of the capacity rule and we are serious with it, they will be dealt with,” Magalong said.
    Several sectors in the city complained of overcrowding inside jeepneys, prompting the city officials to meet with the sector and address the problem which could lead to spread of Covid-19. 
    Magalong said authorities will be deployed at the jeepney terminals during rush hours to ensure that health protocols are strictly followed including the 70-percent capacity limit, physical distancing in queues, and the wearing of face masks.
    “Kailangan ma-control ang galaw ng mga tao especially kung merong dumadating na mga sasakyan na lahat gusto ng sumakay (we need to control the movement of people especially when vehicles arrive and all passengers want to get a ride),” he said. -- PNA