DOTr: MRT-3, LRT-2, PNR Extend Free Ride to Vaccinated APORs until the End of August
The LRT-2, MRT-3, and Philippine National Railways (PNR) extended the free rides for all vaccinated Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APORs) until the end of August on selected hours.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade clarified that limited continuation of the Free Rides for vaccinated APORs can ride LRT2 and PNR trains on off-peak hours.
On the other hand, APORs can only ride MRT-3 trains for free during the line’s peak hours.
“Any further extension of the free ride program for vaccinated APORs will be later re-evaluated depending on changes in the quarantine status of Metro Manila, and the operational requirements of the rail lines,” Sec. Tugade said.
LRT2/IMAGE from Ang Litratista Ng Daang-Bakal
Sec. Tugade also reminded all APOR commuters to follow the safety and health protocols at all times. He also urged them to present their documents at once for faster transactions.
“This free ride program aims to encourage more APORs to get vaccinated especially now that new and more transmissible variants of COVID-19 are emerging,” Tugade added.
Transport marshals inside the trains will strictly enforce health and safety protocols which include the wearing of face shields and masks at all times; compliance to the “no talking and eating’ policy; ensuring adequate airflow and ventilation; and enforcement of social distancing, as well as proper disinfection and sanitation.
The DOTr also informed commuters that passengers showing symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to board the trains.
Trains will be disinfected after every loop and temperature checks will be done at station entrances.
Currently, there are a total of 1,262,448 passengers from Aug 3 to Aug 24 who availed of the free ride.
Also read: DOTr: MRT-3, LRT-2, PNR offer Free Ride to Vaccinated APORs During ECQ
IMAGE from Department of Transportation
Who are APORs?
It’s a general rule of thumb that persons below 18 years old, those who are over 65 years of age, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks, and pregnant women shall be required to remain in their residences at all times, except for obtaining essential goods and services, or for work in industries.
They also added that Authorized Persons Outside their Residences (APORs) are the only ones allowed to go in and out of NCR Plus.
In the latest Comprehensive Omnibus Guidelines, here are only the establishments, persons, or activities that are allowed to go, to operate, work, or be undertaken for the duration of the Enhanced Community Quarantine:
People under the following industries that have full on-site capacity:
- Public and private hospitals.
- Health, emergency, and frontline services, including those provided by dialysis centers, chemotherapy centers, HMOs, health insurance providers, disaster risk reduction management officers, and public safety officers, and the like.
- Manufacturers of medicines and vitamins, medical supplies, devices, and equipment.
- Industries involved in agriculture.
- Essential and priority construction projects, whether public or private, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
- Manufacturing related to food and other essential goods.
- Companies that manufacture, distribute, and/or supply equipment or products necessary to perform construction.
- Essential retail trade and service establishments such as public markets, supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies or drug stores, hardware, office supplies, bicycle shops, laundry shops, and water-refilling stations.
- Food preparation establishments such as kiosks, commissaries, restaurants, and eateries, but limited to take-out and delivery.
- Public and private financial service providers.
- Business process outsourcing establishments (BPOs), and export-oriented businesses, including mining and quarrying activities.
- Public transport providers and operators.
People under the following industries that have 50% on-site capacity:
- Media establishments and their total permanent staff complement, inclusive of reporters and other field employees.
People under the following industries with an on-site skeleton workforce:
- Dental, rehabilitation, optometry, and other medical clinics for the treatment of illness or injuries, provided that there is strict observance of health and safety protocols.
- Veterinary clinics
- Banks and money transfer service
- Capital markets
- Water supply and janitorial/sanitation services and facilities
- The energy sector (oil, gas, and power companies)
- Telecommunications companies, internet service providers, cable television providers
- Airline and aircraft maintenance, pilots and crew, and employees of aviation schools
- Funeral and embalming services
- Security personnel licensed by the PNP
- Printing establishments authorized by the government
- Establishments engaged in repair and maintenance of machinery and equipment
- Establishments engaged in repair and maintenance of motorized and non-motorized vehicles
- Leasing of real and personal properties
- Employment activities that involve the recruitment and placement for permitted sectors
- Teachers, professors, and other staff for purposes of conducting online/offline, and flexible classes
- Lawyers only when required to provide on-site legal representation
- All other establishments, to the extent necessary for the buying and selling of consumer goods or services via the internet.
Source: Department of Transportation and Official Gazette
Written by Cedie Salido
