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Bus firm tells Negrense commuters to follow safety protocols

By Nanette Guadalquiver

May 19, 2020, 8:16 pm

<p><strong>WAITING TO BOARD.</strong> Passengers wait to board Ceres buses at the terminal in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental on Monday (May 18, 2020). Operator Vallacar Transit, Inc. has appealed to commuters to follow health standards to ensure everyone’s safety from Covid-19.<em> (Photo courtesy of Rogen Abacaro)</em></p>

WAITING TO BOARD. Passengers wait to board Ceres buses at the terminal in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental on Monday (May 18, 2020). Operator Vallacar Transit, Inc. has appealed to commuters to follow health standards to ensure everyone’s safety from Covid-19. (Photo courtesy of Rogen Abacaro)

BACOLOD CITY – Following the influx of passengers at the start of the week, the operator of Ceres buses in Negros Occidental has appealed to commuters to follow health standards to ensure everyone’s safety from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“Let us help each other. Again, we appeal for the cooperation of the riding public,” Jesideth Marquez-Seballos, legal and media relations manager of Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI), said on Tuesday.

The VTI management issued the call after many passengers arrived at the terminals without wearing face masks and not observing safe physical distancing when bus trips resumed in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City on Monday.

It has been observed that most of the passengers ignored strict safety protocols in all terminals to catch a ride to work, disregarding their safety, Marquez-Seballos said.

She added that passengers should think of their safety and also of their families.

Marquez-Seballos said they also appeal to the local officials and police personnel in cities and municipalities to deploy enforcement unit in bus terminals to assist the VTI management in the dispatch of passengers.

She also said they would continue to adhere to government policies in the schedule of trips while operating under a general community quarantine.

“We cannot commit violations as it could cost us our franchise. Our management will follow the rules and policies set by the government,” Marquez-Seballos added.

As such, children, pregnant women, and senior citizens will not be allowed to board the bus, she said.

After resuming operations on May 18 following the lifting of the enhanced community quarantine in Bacolod, the VTI has imposed the “no face mask, no ride” and “no standing” policies, and placed a footbath on the stairs of every bus unit.

The number of passengers on each bus is limited to ensure the observance of social distancing.

Hand washing areas have been established at the terminals and pick-up points.

Passengers are also required to write their names, addresses, and contact numbers in the manifesto in case of the need for contact tracing.

For the safety of drivers, the driver’s side or the front area of the bus is closed to passengers. (PNA)



 

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